Eighteen first responders were exposed to the substance and began experiencing symptoms including nausea and dizziness.
MOUNTAINELLE, N.M. — Three people died Wednesday in a suspected drug overdose at a rural New Mexico home and more than a dozen first responders were quarantined and treated for exposure to an unknown substance, authorities said.
New Mexico State Police said three of the four people found unresponsive in their home east of Albuquerque are dead. A fourth person is being treated at an Albuquerque hospital.
Authorities said 18 first responders were exposed to the substance during the response and began experiencing symptoms including nausea and dizziness. All first responders were transported to University of New Mexico Hospital where they are being monitored.
New Mexico State Police Capt. Wilson Silver said two of the first responders were seriously injured.
The Albuquerque Fire Rescue Hazmat Team is assisting at the scene in Mountainair, a rural community east of Albuquerque, to identify the substance involved.
“At this time, investigators believe the substance may be spread through contact but do not believe it is airborne,” Silver said.
While the investigation is ongoing, Mountain Air Mayor Peter Nieto said in a social media post that all signs point to narcotics as a possible factor. He added there was no threat to the public and a cordon had been set up around the house.
Residents took to social media to express their displeasure with drug use in the community and elsewhere.
The mayor said the town’s law enforcement officers and first responders work every day to protect the community and respond to difficult situations.
“But the reality is that addiction and substance abuse are issues affecting communities across our state and across the country,” Nieto said. “There are no easy or immediate solutions. Lasting change requires family support, accountability, education, and most importantly, individuals who are willing to accept help.”
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