3 people dead, nearly 20 New Mexico first responders hospitalized after exposure to ‘unknown substance’ during overdose call
Three people are dead, and nearly 20 first responders in New Mexico were hospitalized Wednesday after exposure to an “unidentified substance,” authorities said.
New Mexico State Police arrived at a residence in Mountainair around 11:00 a.m. to assist the Torrance County Sheriff’s Office with a suspected overdose involving an unknown substance.
Inside the home, officers found four unidentified people unresponsive. Authorities said three of them later died.
Police said 18 first responders at the scene were exposed to the substance and began experiencing symptoms including nausea and dizziness.
The surviving occupant and the affected emergency workers were taken to the University of New Mexico Hospital, where they are “currently being quarantined, evaluated, and monitored,” according to a statement. Two first responders remain in serious condition.
“Albuquerque Fire Rescue HazMat teams are assisting at the scene in efforts to identify the substance involved. At this time, investigators believe the substance may be transmitted through contact and do not believe it to be airborne,” the statement said.
Officials said there is no current threat to the public, and a secure perimeter has been established around the home.
“We ask the public to avoid the area and keep all affected individuals and first responders in their thoughts,” police said.
