New Mexico State Police said officers responded around 11 a.m. to 306 Hanlon Ave. in Mountainair to assist the Torrance County Sheriff’s Office after what was initially reported as a suspected overdose involving an unidentified substance.
Four people inside the residence were found unresponsive, according to state police. Three of those individuals died.
“During the response, 18 first responders were exposed to the substance and began experiencing symptoms, including nausea and dizziness,” New Mexico State Police said.
The fourth individual, along with 18 first responders, was transported to the University of New Mexico Hospital.
“They are currently being quarantined, evaluated, and monitored,” the police said. “Two first responders are currently listed in serious condition.”
Mountainair EMS Chief Josh Lewis, who was the first to enter the residence, was hospitalized overnight for observation, Mountainair Mayor Peter Nieto said in a social media post.
Also among those experiencing symptoms were EMTs from Torrance County and nurses from the University of New Mexico hospital who came into contact with individuals on scene, he said.
The mayor also added that the public works crew had confirmed that the health issues were not related to carbon monoxide or natural gas exposure.
According to the police, 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,” said the state police, adding that “there is currently no threat to the public.”
The police say they have established a secure perimeter, and the affected area remains limited to the residence. Officials have asked the public to avoid the area.
Law enforcement officers from multiple agencies remained on the scene as three bodies were placed onto gurneys and then loaded into a white van and driven away.
Yellow police tape surrounded the home, located on a dirt road in a rural subdivision. A singlewide trailer could be seen in the home’s backyard, with several cars, trucks, and vans in the driveway.
While the investigation was ongoing, Officer Wilson Silver with New Mexico State Police said indications were pointing toward drugs as a possible factor in the deaths
The New Mexico State Police are leading the investigation and said that more information will be released as it becomes available.
“We ask the public to avoid the area and keep all affected individuals and first responders in their thoughts,” state police said.