Three people died, and 18 first responders were hospitalized after exposure to an unidentified substance at a home in rural New Mexico on Wednesday, authorities said.
According to New Mexico State Police, officers responded around 11 a.m. to a residence in Mountainair to assist the Torrance County Sheriff’s Office with what was initially reported as a suspected overdose involving an unknown substance.
Authorities said four people were found unresponsive inside the home. Three were pronounced dead at the scene, while a fourth person was transported to the University of New Mexico Hospital for treatment.
Officials said 18 first responders were also exposed to the substance and later experienced symptoms including nausea, dizziness, headaches, and vomiting. Two investigators remained in serious condition Wednesday, according to state police.
Emergency responders called for additional medical units after multiple personnel became ill at the scene.
“I need all units, all the available med units. I have multiple exposed providers at this time,” one responder said in radio traffic, per KOAT 7 News.
Authorities said the substance has not yet been identified. Hazardous materials teams from Albuquerque Fire Rescue are assisting in the investigation.
Investigators believe the substance may spread through contact, but do not think it is airborne. Officials said there is no threat to the public, and a secure perimeter remains in place around the residence.
Mountainair Mayor Peter Nieto said officials have ruled out carbon monoxide and natural gas exposure.
“We just don’t know what it is. Is it fentanyl? Is it some kind of other drug? Is it some kind of chemical? That’s the million-dollar question right now that we don’t have answers to,” Nieto said, per KOAT.
The mayor said some of the victims worked in town and were discovered after they failed to report to work.
“The reason that they were found was because they didn’t show up to work. The boss called and they didn’t answer, so he ended up sending a couple other workers, and those are the ones that ended up finding them,” Nieto said.
Authorities said the home was not previously known as a location associated with drug activity.
“That house is not a problem house at all. That is nothing on our radar. That’s not one of our known drug houses by any means,” Nieto said.
Hospital officials said nearly two dozen patients were assessed and decontaminated after exposure to the unknown substance. Most of those hospitalized were later released, though three symptomatic patients continued receiving care Wednesday evening.
Mayor Nieto said that some first responders discharged from the hospital were unable to retrieve their personal belongings due to decontamination procedures.
“They were released with nothing. They had to go and get clothes. They could not bring their eyeglasses. They couldn’t bring wedding rings. Everything was left at UNM under decontamination,” he said.
Volunteer firefighter Antonette Alguire said the incident was frightening as emergency crews began showing symptoms while trying to save victims.
“It’s getting to that point where we just have to live in fear, even saving lives,” Alguire said.
Authorities said the investigation remains ongoing.
