Three dead and first responders rushed to hospital after exposure to mystery substance in New Mexico

By JOE HUTCHISON, US SENIOR NEWS REPORTER Published: 23:51, 20 May 2026 | Updated: 23:58, 20 May 2026 Three people have died and 19 people have been rushed to hospital after coming into contact with an unknown substance. Authorities were called to a home in Mountainair, New Mexico, on Wednesday to a suspected overdose involving an unidentified substance.  According to New Mexico State Police, they arrived to find four people unresponsive inside the home, with three of them having since died.  Officials said that during their response 18 first responders were exposed to the substance and transported to hospital. A statement said they are 'currently being quarantined, evaluated, and monitored', with two of them listed as being in a serious condition. New Mexico State Police added that they believe the substance to be transmitted only through contact and do not believe it to be airborne.  A statement added: '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.' Mountainair Mayor Peter Nieto said in a social media post that all indications were pointing toward narcotics as a possible factor.  He added that there was no threat to the public and that a perimeter had been set up around the home. Residents, however, took to social media to voice their frustrations about drug use in the community and elsewhere. The mayor said the town's law enforcement officers and first responders work every day to protect the community and respond to difficult situations. He added: '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.' This is a breaking news story.  No comments have so far been submitted. Why not be the first to send us your thoughts, or debate this issue live on our message boards. By posting your comment you agree to our house rules. Do you want to automatically post your MailOnline comments to your Facebook Timeline? Your comment will be posted to MailOnline as usual. Do you want to automatically post your MailOnline comments to your Facebook Timeline? Your comment will be posted to MailOnline as usual We will automatically post your comment and a link to the news story to your Facebook timeline at the same time it is posted on MailOnline. To do this we will link your MailOnline account with your Facebook account. We’ll ask you to confirm this for your first post to Facebook. You can choose on each post whether you would like it to be posted to Facebook. Your details from Facebook will be used to provide you with tailored content, marketing and ads in line with our Privacy Policy.