Mountain Air, New Mexico — Three people died and more than a dozen first responders were placed in quarantine and receiving treatment Wednesday for exposure to an unknown substance after being called to a drug overdose at a rural New Mexico home, authorities said.
New Mexico State Police said three of the four people found unresponsive inside the home east of Albuquerque were dead. The fourth person was receiving treatment at a hospital in Albuquerque.
During the response, 18 first responders were exposed to the substance and began experiencing symptoms including nausea and dizziness, authorities said. All first responders were transported to the University of New Mexico Hospital, where they were monitored.
Officer Wilson Silver of the New Mexico State Police said two first responders were listed in serious condition.
Albuquerque Fire Rescue teams were assisting at the scene in Mountaineer, a rural community east of Albuquerque, in efforts to identify the substance in question.
“At this time, investigators believe the substance may be transmitted by contact and 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 indications point to drugs as a possible factor. He added that there is no threat to citizens and that a perimeter has been created around the house.
However, residents have taken to social media to express their frustration over drug use in the community and elsewhere.
The city’s law enforcement officers and first responders work every day to protect the community and respond to difficult situations, the mayor said.
“But the reality is that addiction and drug abuse are issues that impact communities across our state and nation,” Nieto said. “There is no simple or instant solution. Lasting change requires family support, accountability, education, and most importantly, individuals who are willing to accept help.”