The investigation continues in a New Mexico rural town after an unknown substance at a residence left three people dead and more than a dozen first responders sick.
New Mexico State Police said law enforcement responded to a home at 11:00 a.m. on May 20 in Mountainair, a town of fewer than 1,000 people an hour outside of Albuquerque, to assist with what was initially believed to be a suspected overdose involving an unidentified substance, according to a NMSP Facebook post on May 20.
Four people inside the home were found unresponsive and three of the four died.
During the response, 18 first responders were exposed to the substance and began experiencing symptoms, including nausea and dizziness. The occupant of the home and 18 first responders were transported to the University of New Mexico Hospital, where they are currently being quarantined, evaluated, and monitored.
Two first responders were listed in serious condition, according to the post.
“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,” the post said. “There is currently no threat to the public. A secure perimeter has been established, and the affected area remains limited to the residence.”
Mayor issues statements on Facebook amid rumors
The Mayor of Mountainair, Peter Nieto, issued several statements on Facebook on Wednesday as the hazmat situation unfolded. His last update, posted late on Wednesday night, said there were still “many unknowns.”
“Initially, I did not plan to speak publicly today, but I felt it was important to provide our community with the information we currently have,” the post said. “We remain committed to being as transparent as possible, and as soon as we receive confirmed information, we will continue to share it with the public so our community stays informed.”
Town Hall will be closed on Thursday, May 21, Neito added, “not because of any immediate threat, but because our employees, along with their coworkers and our EMTs who work side by side every day, experienced an extremely difficult and emotional morning and continue to carry that weight tonight.”
Natassia Paloma may be reached at npaloma@gannett.com, @NatassiaPaloma on x; natassia_paloma on Instagram, and Natassia Paloma Thompson on Facebook.
This article originally appeared on El Paso Times: ‘Many unknowns’ Latest on the deadly hazmat emergency in New Mexico
Reporting by Natassia Paloma, El Paso Times / El Paso Times
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