AMERICAN actor Alec Baldwin has shot and killed a woman with a prop gun after a "misfiring" while on a filming set in New Mexico.

A man has also been injured after the incident, which occurred at around 2pm yesterday.  

The reported accident occurred whilst filming for the 19th Century western movie ‘Rust’.

According to AP news agency, a spokesperson for Alec Baldwin said that the incident involved a "misfiring" of a prop gun which contained blank rounds.

The woman has been named as Halyna Hutchins, and was director of photography on the film set. Following the incident she was flown to hospital via helicopter, but later died of her injuries.

The other man injured in the shooting was the film’s director Joel Souza, but details of his injury are yet to be confirmed.

The Herald: Bonanza Creek Ranch, a popular filming location (AP)Bonanza Creek Ranch, a popular filming location (AP)

READ MORE: Queen spends night in hospital, Buckingham Palace confirms

A spokesperson for the movies Production company, Productions LLC told the New York Times: “The entire cast and crew has been absolutely devastated by today’s tragedy, and we send our deepest condolences to Halyna’s family and loved ones.

“We have halted production on the film for an undetermined period of time and are fully cooperating with the Santa Fe Police Department’s investigation.

“We will be providing counselling services to everyone connected to the film as we work to process this awful event.”

The Santa Fe Police department have been on the scene inviestigating the incident at Bonanza Creek Ranch, and it is understood that no charges have been filed after Mr Baldwin spoke to detctives.

The Santa Fe New Mexican reported Baldwin was seen Thursday outside the sheriff's office in tears but attempts to get a comment from him were unsuccessful.