AT least three people have died and nearly 20 first responders were rushed to hospital after being exposed to an “unknown substance” at a home in New Mexico.

Cops raced to the property in Mountainair on Wednesday morning after reports of a suspected overdose – only to find a nightmare scene with four people lying unresponsive.

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Three people died and one person was hospitalized after exposure to an unknown substance at as New Mexico homeCredit: Refer to source

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Police responded to a suspected overdose at a property in Mountainair on Wednesday morningCredit: KOB
Three of the victims later died, while a fourth person remains hospitalized and under quarantine.

New Mexico State Police said 18 emergency workers who entered the home then began suffering alarming symptoms including nausea, dizziness, vomiting and headaches.

Two first responders are now said to be in serious condition.

Authorities revealed paramedics and sheriff’s deputies were first called to the home near Hanlon Avenue and Pinon Street at around 8am over fears of an overdose involving an unidentified substance.

One person was found dead outside the property, another inside, while two others needed urgent resuscitation.

One of those later died in the ER.

The surviving occupant, along with the exposed emergency workers, was taken to the University of New Mexico Hospital where they are being “currently quarantined, evaluated, and monitored,” police said.

A spokesperson for the hospital confirmed “several patients” had been admitted for “decontamination and treatment” after exposure to “an unknown substance in Torrance County.”

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Nearly 20 first responders were hospitalised after attending the scene in MountainairCredit: KOB

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Hazmat crews in full protective suits were sent into the homeCredit: KOB
Hazmat crews in full protective suits were sent into the home to identify and remove the mystery substance.

“Albuquerque Fire Rescue HazMat teams are assisting at the scene in efforts to identify the substance involved.

“At this time, investigators believe the substance may be transmitted through contact and do not believe it to be airborne,” police said.

Officials stressed there is “no current threat to the public” and said the area around the home has been secured.

“We ask the public to avoid the area and keep all affected individuals and first responders in their thoughts,” cops wrote.

Investigators are now waiting for test results to determine exactly what substance triggered the deadly incident.

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Authorities said there is ‘no current threat to the public’Credit: KOB