Three people have died and more than a dozen emergency responders were hospitalized after exposure to an unknown substance during a suspected drug-related incident in the US state of New Mexico, authorities said on Wednesday.
First responders discovered the bodies inside a home in the town of Mountainair and later reported symptoms including headaches, dizziness and vomiting, the town's mayor said.
Officials said the substance is believed to be hazardous and, based on initial findings, appears to have caused harm through direct contact rather than airborne transmission.
A fourth person was also found at the scene and is receiving medical treatment. Hazardous materials specialists are investigating the incident.
