NEWS
3 dead, 18 first responders hospitalized after substance exposure in Mountainair
New Mexico State Police are investigating; group is quarantined at UNMH
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Three people died and more than a dozen first responders were hospitalized after being exposed to an unidentified substance at a Mountainair home.
New Mexico State Police responded to the house after receiving a report that four people had possibly overdosed, according to a Wednesday news release.
鈥淔our individuals inside the residence were found unresponsive,鈥� police said. 鈥淭hree of the four individuals are now deceased.鈥�
Two people died at the home in the 300 block of Hanlon Avenue, and a third died at the University of New Mexico Hospital. The condition of the fourth person was unclear.
Police said 18 first responders were exposed to the substance and transported to UNMH. A total of 23 people were exposed, according to UNMH.
Several patients experienced headaches, nausea and vomiting after arriving at the sa国际传媒官网网页入口 hospital around 10 a.m., according to a news release from Brianna Mortensen, a hospital spokesperson.
UNMH said medical teams continue to monitor three symptomatic patients. Eighteen patients who were decontaminated did not develop symptoms.
鈥淓ighteen other patients who were decontaminated but not showing symptoms have been discharged,鈥� Mortensen said. 鈥淥ne patient is still in the process of being discharged.鈥�
sa国际传媒官网网页入口 Fire Rescue hazmat teams were assisting at the scene in Mountainair, a rural Torrance County community about 90 minutes southeast of sa国际传媒官网网页入口, to identify the substance.
鈥淎t this time, investigators believe the substance may be transmitted through contact and do not believe it to be airborne,鈥� State Police said.
Mountainair Mayor Peter Nieto said in a social media statement that the town was taking the situation seriously and that there were indications drugs may have played a role in the deaths.
鈥淥ur first responders, law enforcement, medical personnel and local officials work every day to protect this community and respond to difficult situations,鈥� Nieto said. 鈥淏ut the reality is that addiction and substance abuse are issues affecting communities all across our state and nation.鈥�
New Mexico State Police are investigating.
Nakayla McClelland covers crime and breaking news. Reach her at nmcclelland@abqjournal.com or at 505-823-3857.
