Alec Baldwin fatally shoots cinematographer in on-set tragedy

LOS ANGELES: Hollywood star Alec Baldwin was the focus Friday of investigations into a shocking and deadly on-set tragedy, after the actor fired a prop gun that killed a cinematographer and wounded the director of a Western he was shooting in New Mexico.

The cast and crew of “Rust” — where Baldwin is playing the lead in a 19th century film about an accidental killing — were “devastated” by the incident, they said in a statement to US media, and production has been suspended.

Halyna Hutchins and Joel Souza “were shot when a prop firearm was discharged by Alec Baldwin,” the sheriff in Santa Fe said in a statement.

Hutchins, 42, was transported to hospital by helicopter but died of her wounds, while Souza, 48, was taken by ambulance and was receiving treatment.

Souza was later released from hospital, “Rust” actress Frances Fisher tweeted, citing a text from him.

“Mr. Baldwin was interviewed by detectives,” Santa Fe sheriff spokesman Juan Rios told AFP.

“He provided statements and answered their questions. He came in voluntarily and he left the building after he finished his interviews. No charges have been filed and no arrests have been made.”

Rios told the New York Times that the shooting happened in the middle of a scene that was being rehearsed or filmed.

The Santa Fe New Mexican published pictures of a distraught-looking Baldwin which it said were taken in the parking lot of the sheriff’s office after the tragedy.