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Three people died after exposure to an unknown substance in a rural New Mexico home that also sickened over a dozen first responders on May 20, officials said.New Mexico State Police said it responded at about 11 a.m. to assist the Torrance County Sheriff's Office in what was first believed to be a drug overdose situation at a residence in Mountainair, a town of fewer than 1,000 people an hour outside of Albuquerque. Four people inside were found unresponsive, three of whom have since been pronounced dead, state police said.While at the scene, 18 first responders began experiencing symptoms that included nausea and dizziness and were transported to a hospital along with the surviving resident. They were all being quarantined and evaluated, state police said. Two of the first responders were in serious condition."Please continue to keep everyone affected in your prayers. We know how devastating this is for our community, and during times like these, we must continue to support and care for one another," Mountainair Mayor Peter Nieto said in a post on social media.Albuquerque Fire Rescue Hazmat teams were working to identify the cause of the symptoms and what substance is involved, state police said. Carbon monoxide and natural gas were ruled out by the local utility company, Nieto said."At this time, we do not know the exact cause. However, based on the information currently available, all indications are pointing toward narcotics as a possible factor," Nieto said on May 20.New Mexico State Police said there was no active threat to the public and a secure perimeter had been set up around the affected home."At this time, investigators believe the substance may be transmitted through contact and do not believe it to be airborne," New Mexico State Police said in a statement.Nieto said he was closing town hall on May 21 so employees who were impacted could rest and recover.
