Authorities in New Mexico say three people died and more than a dozen first responders were evaluated after possible exposure to an unidentified substance at a rural home near Mountainair.
According to New Mexico State Police, emergency crews responded to a suspected drug overdose call and found four people unresponsive inside the home. Three were pronounced dead, while a fourth person was hospitalized in Albuquerque.
First Responders Hospitalized
Officials said several EMTs and firefighters later developed symptoms including nausea, coughing, vomiting, and dizziness after responding to the scene. More than 20 exposed individuals were assessed and decontaminated at University of New Mexico Hospital.
Two first responders were reported in serious condition Wednesday evening.
Authorities said investigators believe the substance may spread through contact rather than through the air, though the exact cause remains unknown.
Investigation Ongoing
Mayor Peter Nieto said officials are still trying to identify whether the substance involved narcotics or another hazardous material. Law enforcement agencies continued investigating the property late Wednesday.
Officials said there is currently no known threat to the public, though the incident has raised concerns about growing drug-related dangers facing rural communities and emergency responders.
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