First Responders Injuried After Overdose Incident

Three people are dead and more than a dozen first responders were hospitalized after a suspected overdose at a rural New Mexico home escalated into a hazardous materials emergency Wednesday morning.

Authorities said the incident began around 8 a.m. near Hanlon Avenue and Pinon Street when emergency crews were dispatched to reports of a possible overdose involving an unknown substance. What responders encountered quickly turned into a large-scale emergency involving law enforcement, firefighters, EMS crews, and hazmat teams.

According to New Mexico State Police, first responders discovered one person dead outside the home and another dead inside. Two additional people at the residence required immediate resuscitation efforts. One of those individuals later died, bringing the death toll to three.

The surviving resident was transported to the University of New Mexico Hospital for treatment. Several first responders were also taken to the hospital after reporting symptoms that included nausea, vomiting, dizziness, and headaches. Officials later confirmed that emergency personnel had been exposed to the unidentified substance while responding to the scene.

As concerns about contamination grew, Albuquerque Fire Rescue Hazmat teams were called in to help identify the substance and secure the area.

“At this time, investigators believe the substance may be transmitted through contact and do not believe it to be airborne,” Officer Wilson Silver said.

State Police emphasized there was no known threat to the public but urged residents to avoid the area while investigators continued processing the scene.

By Wednesday evening, officials said a total of 25 people had been exposed to the substance, including the three individuals who died. Hospital officials reported that 18 exposed individuals had already been discharged, one person was in the process of being released, and three remained hospitalized.

Mountainair EMS Chief Josh Lewis, who was reportedly the first responder to enter the residence, remained hospitalized overnight for observation. State Police said two additional first responders were listed in serious condition.