MOUNTAINAIR — Three people died, and more than a dozen first responders were hospitalized on Wednesday after exposure to an unidentified substance at a home in the rural Torrance County town of Mountainair, prompting a large-scale hazmat response and a state investigation.
New Mexico State Police said officers responded around 11 a.m. Wednesday to assist the Torrance County Sheriff’s Office with what was initially reported as a suspected overdose at a residence in Mountainair, about 75 miles southeast of Albuquerque. Authorities found four people unresponsive inside the home. Three were later pronounced dead, while a fourth person was transported to the University of New Mexico Hospital for treatment.
As emergency crews entered the residence and began rescue efforts, multiple first responders started experiencing symptoms including nausea, dizziness, coughing and vomiting, according to state police and local officials. Eighteen emergency personnel were ultimately taken to UNM Hospital for evaluation and decontamination after possible exposure to the unknown substance.
Authorities said most of the responders were later released, though several remained under medical observation Wednesday evening. Initial reports indicated at least two responders were in serious condition.
Albuquerque Fire Rescue hazmat teams and other state agencies were called to the scene to identify the substance and secure the area. Investigators said preliminary findings suggested the material may spread through physical contact rather than through the air. Officials also said there was no known ongoing threat to the public.
Authorities have not publicly identified the victims, and the substance involved had not been confirmed as of Thursday morning. State police said testing and autopsies are pending.
Mountainair Mayor Peter Nieto said early information pointed toward narcotics potentially playing a role in the incident, though investigators had ruled out carbon monoxide and natural gas leaks as causes. He described the situation as emotionally difficult for the small community of fewer than 1,000 residents.
Volunteer firefighter Antonette Alguire told reporters she witnessed responders becoming ill while attempting lifesaving measures at the scene. According to her account, emergency crews began coughing and vomiting during the response and later while gathered near a medical helicopter landing area.
A secure perimeter remained in place around the property on Wednesday as hazmat investigators continued collecting evidence. State police urged residents to avoid the area while the investigation continues.
The incident comes as New Mexico continues to face elevated overdose rates tied to fentanyl and other synthetic drugs. Federal health data has consistently ranked the state among the highest in the nation for overdose deaths in recent years.
Officials said additional information would be released once investigators determine the nature of the substance and notify families of the victims.
