New Mexico hazmat tragedy

Three people have died and more than a dozen first responders were hospitalized after being exposed to an unidentified substance at a rural New Mexico home.

Authorities were initially called to the scene to investigate a suspected drug overdose.

New Mexico State Police reported that the victims were found at a residence in Mountainair, and the responding officers quickly became ill.

A hazardous materials team was deployed to the site to identify the substance, which remains unknown.

The hospitalized first responders are being treated for symptoms including respiratory distress and nausea, and the surrounding area has been cordoned off as a precaution.