Three individuals died following exposure to an unidentified substance in Mountainair, New Mexico. More than a dozen emergency officials were also hospitalized, though authorities have confirmed no public threat exists.
The New Mexico State Police reported the incident occurred on Wednesday at a home in the small town near Albuquerque. Initially, a possible drug overdose was suspected. On arrival around 11 a.m., officers found four unresponsive individuals. Three have now died.
Mountainair’s mayor, Peter Nieto, mentioned on social media that two people were declared dead at the scene, and another passed away later.
During the response, 18 emergency personnel experienced symptoms like nausea and dizziness. They, along with the fourth unresponsive individual, were transported to the University of New Mexico Hospital for quarantine. State police noted that two officials are in serious condition.
Authorities are actively investigating to determine the substance responsible for the deaths and symptoms observed.
The situation spurred a significant response from emergency services, including involvement from the FBI’s Albuquerque office. Albuquerque Fire Rescue contributed with hazmat teams to collect samples, identify substances, and perform decontamination procedures.
Investigators believe the substance might have been transmitted through contact, not through the air. Officials have reassured the public of no immediate threat.
The University of New Mexico Hospital later confirmed it evaluated and decontaminated 23 patients. Most were asymptomatic and have been discharged. Three symptomatic patients, experiencing headaches, nausea, and vomiting, remain under observation.