Three Dead, 18 Responders Overcome by Unidentified Substance in Mountainair, NM
Albuquerque Journal, N.M.
(TNS)
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 a house in the 300 block of Hanlon Avenue after receiving a report that four people had possibly overdosed, according to a Wednesday news release.
“Four individuals inside the residence were found unresponsive,” police said. “Three of the four individuals are now deceased.”
Two people died at the home, 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 Albuquerque 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.
“Eighteen other patients who were decontaminated but not showing symptoms have been discharged,” Mortensen said. “One patient is still in the process of being discharged.”
Albuquerque Fire Rescue hazmat teams were assisting at the scene in Mountainair, a rural Torrance County community about 90 minutes southeast of Albuquerque, to identify the substance.
“At this time, investigators believe the substance may be transmitted through contact and do not believe it to be airborne,” 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.
“Our first responders, law enforcement, medical personnel and local officials work every day to protect this community and respond to difficult situations,” Nieto said. “But the reality is that addiction and substance abuse are issues affecting communities all across our state and nation.”
New Mexico State Police are investigating.
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