On Friday, officials unveiled the identity of the mysterious substance that led to more than a dozen first responders being hospitalized after they attended to a New Mexico residence where three individuals suffered fatal overdoses.
It was determined that the first responders came into contact with fentanyl upon their arrival at a Mountainair, New Mexico home, discovering four people in an unresponsive state.
Tragically, two of the individuals were declared dead at the scene, while a third succumbed to the overdose at the University of New Mexico Hospital. One person managed to survive the ordeal.
During a press briefing, New Mexico State Police Chief Matt Broom shared, “Preliminary investigations suggest the incident is linked to exposure to a powdered opioid substance within the residence. On-site analysis by the DEA laboratory confirmed the presence of fentanyl, methamphetamine, and para-fluorofentanyl, known as P4 fentanyl.”
Chief Broom further clarified, “This substance is a more illicit variant of fentanyl.”
Authorities reported that the drugs were discovered in a powdered form, presenting significant risks to those who encountered them.
Officials said 25 people were exposed to the substance, with 20 hospitalized for treatment before being released.
Two individuals remain hospitalized after arriving in serious condition, police said.
Authorities identified two of the people who died as Micah Rascon, 51, and Georgia Rascon, 49.
Both the survivor and one of the deceased were administered the overdose medication Narcan.
Authorities said numerous first responders began experiencing symptoms including nausea and dizziness.
“These men and women responded to a dangerous situation while working to protect lives and secure the scene,” Broom said. “We especially recognize the first responders who became sick while carrying out their duties.”
Torrance County Fire Chief Gary Smith said firefighters did not enter the home wearing hazmat protection because the situation did not initially appear to require it.
He added officials would review the response procedures moving forward.
“I mean, we’re only as good as our last call, right?” Smith said. “There’ll be multiple debriefings that we’re going to be doing over the next week or two to find out where our strengths were and where our weaknesses were.”
The incident remains under investigation.
