Three people die after exposure to unknown substance in New Mexico

Mountainair, located east of Albuquerque, New Mexico, saw three people die after exposure to an unknown substance while handling suspected drug overdoses, authorities said on Wednesday. New Mexico State Police Captain Wilson Silver said the drugs are suspected to be the cause of the deaths. The first responders experienced symptoms including nausea and dizziness and were taken to the University of New Mexico Hospital. Hospital officials said 23 people were screened and decontaminated. Most were asymptomatic and released, but three patients remained symptomatic, with two in serious condition. Mountainair Mayor Peter Nieto said those affected had contact with people at the scene and confirmed the incident was not related to carbon monoxide or natural gas exposure. ‘At present, investigators believe the substance is likely transmissible by contact and not spread via the air,’ Silver said. The investigation into the incident is ongoing.