Three people are dead and over a dozen first responders were transported to a hospital after being exposed to an unidentified substance.
“NMSP Leading HazMat Investigation Following Deadly Exposure at Mountainair Residence. At approximately 11:00 a.m., the New Mexico State Police responded to 306 Hanlon Ave. in Mountainair, New Mexico, to assist the Torrance County Sheriff’s Office with what was initially believed to be a suspected overdose involving an unidentified substance. Four individuals inside the residence were found unresponsive. Three of the four individuals are now deceased,” the New Mexico State Police wrote on Facebook.
“During the response, 18 first responders were exposed to the substance and began experiencing symptoms, including nausea and dizziness. The occupant 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 are currently listed in serious condition. 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,” it continued.
There is currently no threat to the public. A secure perimeter has been established, and the affected area remains limited to the residence. The New Mexico State Police are leading this ongoing and active investigation. Additional information will be released as it becomes available. We ask the public to avoid the area and keep all affected individuals and first responders in their thoughts,” it added.
3 dead in New Mexico and first responders treated for exposure to unknown substance, officials say https://t.co/VFLHSR8T6m
— ABC7 Eyewitness News (@ABC7) May 20, 2026
More from the Santa Fe New Mexican:
Torrance County Sheriff David Frazee said at least one person who was found within the home was revived with Narcan, which is used to reverse opioid overdoses, before first responders began feeling ill.
“Evidently, they must have inhaled some toxins or something from the scene,” Frazee said. “Last I heard, [they were] transported to UNM Hospital, and they’re being treated there, and they’re trying to determine what type of chemical was used.”
Frazee said New Mexico State Police have taken over the scene, noting the agency’s hazmat capabilities.
“There have been rumors circulating online about a possible hazmat situation in Mountainair. At this time, there is no community-wide hazmat issue or public danger. Authorities have identified the residence involved and are actively working to determine exactly what caused two individuals to tragically pass away and two others to require medical treatment. At this time, we do not know the exact cause. 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 Mayor Peter Nieto said.
“Yes, some of our EMTs were taken to the hospital for evaluation after potential exposure. These were individuals who had direct contact with the affected persons at the scene. At this time, there is no indication that this situation is airborne or poses a risk to the general public. I also want to address comments claiming that we are not taking the drug situation seriously. We absolutely are. Our first responders, law enforcement, medical personnel, and local officials work every day to protect this community and respond to difficult situations. But the reality is that addiction and substance abuse are issues affecting communities all across our state and nation. There is no simple or immediate solution. Lasting change requires family support, accountability, education, and most importantly, individuals who are willing to accept help,” Nieto continued.
“We understand the fear, frustration, and concern people are feeling right now. We ask everyone to avoid spreading rumors or sharing misinformation online while the investigation is ongoing. Spreading unverified information only creates more panic, confusion, and additional pain for the families involved and for the community as a whole. If anyone has constructive ideas, resources, or solutions that could help Mountainair address these challenges, I am always willing to listen. We may not have every answer today, but we will continue working together as a community to keep Mountainair safe, informed, and supported,” he added.
Three people are dead and more than a dozen first responders are being treated for exposure to an unidentified substance after being called to a home east of Albuquerque for a suspected drug overdose.https://t.co/xZpYahATGh
— KUTV2news (@KUTV2News) May 20, 2026
The Independent shared further:
EMS Chief Josh Lewis, who was the first to enter the home, will remain in the hospital overnight for observation, the mayor said.
“We are incredibly thankful that the other responders have been released,” Nieto said. “While they are not yet fully recovered, they are doing much better.”
Some Torrance County EMTs and hospital nurses who came into contact with people who were at the home also experienced symptoms, according to the mayor.
“We are keeping them in our thoughts and prayers and wishing them a full and speedy recovery,” Nieto said.
Albuquerque Fire Rescue Hazmat teams are working to identify the substance. Investigators believe it may be spread through contact rather than being airborne, according to authorities.
Mountainair Public Works confirmed that the substance was not carbon monoxide or related to natural gas.
Authorities said they secured a perimeter around the home and that there is “no threat to the public.”
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