Three people are dead, and nearly 20 first responders in New Mexico were hospitalized for exposure to an “unidentified substance” on Wednesday, according to authorities.
New Mexico State Police arrived at a residence in Mountainair around 11:00 a.m. to assist the Torrance County Sheriff’s Office with a suspected overdose involving an unknown substance.
After entering the home, cops grimly discovered four unidentified people unresponsive. Three of the four people have since died, authorities added.
Eighteen first responders who arrived at the property were exposed to the substance and began experiencing symptoms, including nausea and dizziness, police said.
The remaining occupant and the slew of emergency workers were rushed to the University of New Mexico Hospital, where they are “currently being quarantined, evaluated, and monitored,” the department continued in a statement.
Two of the first responders are currently in serious condition.
“Albuquerque Fire Rescue HazMat teams are assisting at the scene in efforts to identify the substance involved. At this time, investigators believe the substance may be transmitted through contact and do not believe it to be airborne,” the statement said.
Officials stressed there is no current threat to the public, and a secure perimeter has been established around the home.
“We ask the public to avoid the area and keep all affected individuals and first responders in their thoughts,” cops wrote.