Authorities in central New Mexico are working to identify an unknown substance suspected in the deaths of three people and the illness of more than a dozen first responders who were called to a home in the rural town of Mountainair, east of Albuquerque, on Wednesday. The University of New Mexico Hospital said medical workers evaluated nearly two dozen people who may have come into contact with the substance, and at least two individuals remained hospitalized as of Thursday, including one person found unresponsive at the scene. MSI reported earlier Thursday that authorities were investigating after emergency responders became sick at the scene.
First responders who entered the home began experiencing symptoms — coughing, vomiting, dizziness — shortly after arriving, prompting officials to briefly quarantine more than a dozen of them. The incident was initially reported as a suspected drug overdose, according to authorities. The home is located in Mountainair, a small town in Torrance County roughly 65 miles southeast of Albuquerque.
Investigators said they have not determined what substance was involved, what caused the three deaths, why first responders became ill, or precisely how many experienced symptoms. The University of New Mexico Hospital said medical workers checked nearly two dozen people who may have come into contact with the substance.
Autopsies will be conducted on the three deceased individuals, and authorities said they are testing to determine what substances were present in the home. Officials said it remains unclear whether the substance was transmitted through the air, through surface contact, or through another route of exposure.