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Three people died and nearly 20 first responders were quarantined Wednesday after exposure to an unidentified substance at a New Mexico home, authorities said.
New Mexico State Police said officers responded around 11 a.m. to a residence in Mountainair, New Mexico, to assist the Torrance County Sheriff’s Office with what was initially believed to be a suspected overdose involving an unknown substance.
Authorities said four people were found unresponsive inside the residence. Three of them were pronounced dead, according to a police statement.
Officials said 18 first responders were exposed to the substance and later began experiencing symptoms including nausea and dizziness.
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New Mexico State Police respond to home in Mountainair, where authorities say several people died Wednesday, May 20, 2026, and more than a dozen first responders were exposed to an unknown substance and later treated at a hospital. (AP Photo/Savannah Peters)
The fourth occupant of the residence and the exposed first responders were transported to the University of New Mexico Hospital, where they are being quarantined, evaluated and monitored.
Two first responders remain in serious condition, police said.
Mountainair Mayor Peter Nieto said three of the four EMTs from Mountainair EMS have been released from the hospital, while EMS Chief Josh Lewis will remain hospitalized overnight for observation.
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Authorities said investigators do not believe the unidentified substance involved in the incident is airborne. (KRQE)
Nieto said Lewis was the first responder to enter the residence.
Albuquerque Fire Rescue hazmat teams are working to identify the substance involved.
Investigators said they believe the substance may spread through contact but do not believe it is airborne.
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A New Mexico State Police vehicle blocks off a neighborhood in Mountainair, New Mexico, where authorities say several people died Wednesday, and more than a dozen first responders were exposed to an unknown substance and later treated at a hospital. (AP Photo/Savannah Peters)
Authorities said there is no threat to the public and that a secure perimeter has been established around the residence.
“At this time, we do not know the exact cause,” Nieto said in Facebook post. “However, based on the information currently available, all indications are pointing toward narcotics as a possible factor. The investigation is still ongoing, and officials are working carefully to confirm the facts before releasing final conclusions.”
Mountainair Public Works said the incident was not caused by carbon monoxide or related to natural gas.
This is a developing story; check back for updates.