Three individuals have died following exposure to an unidentified substance in Mountainair, New Mexico. This incident also led to the hospitalization of over a dozen emergency officials. The New Mexico State Police reported that the event occurred at a home in a small town near Albuquerque.

Authorities initially responded to a report of a potential drug overdose at the residence. Upon arrival, officers from the state police and the Torrance County Sheriff’s Office discovered four unresponsive individuals inside at around 11 a.m. on Wednesday. Tragically, three of these individuals have passed away.

Peter Nieto, the mayor of Mountainair, which is situated approximately 40 miles southeast of Albuquerque, stated on social media that two individuals were found deceased at the scene, while another succumbed later.

During the response, 18 emergency officials showed symptoms such as nausea and dizziness due to exposure. These officials, along with the fourth person found in the home, were taken to the University of New Mexico Hospital. Two officials are reported to be in serious condition.

The substance’s identity is currently under investigation. Authorities noted that the substance may have been transmitted via contact, not airborne, and confirmed that there is no public threat. The response involved multiple emergency and law enforcement teams, including the FBI’s Albuquerque office. Albuquerque Fire Rescue’s hazmat teams played a crucial role in collecting samples, identifying the substance, and conducting decontamination.

The University of New Mexico Hospital later announced that it had assessed and decontaminated 23 patients. Most showed no symptoms and were discharged. Three symptomatic individuals remain under observation with symptoms like headaches, nausea, and vomiting.