This is “the highest fine permitted under New Mexico state law,” the local health authorities said on Wednesday. The criminal investigations by the police and the public prosecutor’s office are still ongoing.
Prop weapon was loaded
Hollywood star Alec Baldwin accidentally shot the 42-year-old camerawoman with a prop gun while filming the low-budget western in New Mexico last October. Director Joel Souza was hit in the shoulder and injured.
The revolver had apparently been loaded with at least one real bullet. It is not yet clear how this could have happened. Baldwin was involved not only as a lead actor but also as one of the producers on the film. The Hollywood star denied any responsibility for Hutchins’ death.
New Mexico authorities launched an investigation into possible health and safety violations following the incident. In a report that has now been released, they conclude that the producers have shown an “apparent indifference to the dangers of firearms”.
According to the report, the safety rules were “routinely” not complied with. In addition, those responsible ignored complaints from employees about previous incidents with firearms.
In the course of the criminal investigations by the police and the public prosecutor’s office, no one has yet been formally accused or even charged. However, the investigators have not ruled out that this could still happen.
Source: Nachrichten
