Unknown Substance Strikes Mountainair: 3 Dead, Dozens of Responders Quarantined

Three people died and a fourth was hospitalized after a suspected overdose at a rural Mountainair home as first responders were exposed to an unknown substance, prompting decontamination of about two dozen people. Twenty-three exposed individuals were treated at UNM Hospital, with two responders in serious condition; authorities say the substance may be transmitted by contact and is not airborne, and there is no threat to the public while investigators pursue answers.