Officials in New Mexico say a mystery substance that sickens first responders and leads to deaths at the scene has been identified as fentanyl. According to multiple reports, three people die where the substance is discovered, and at least 12 first responders are taken to hospitals after becoming ill. The incident triggers a broad medical response as responders are exposed while working at the site. One account says more than a dozen responders are hospitalized, while another reports a larger number of people exposed overall. That report states that 25 people are exposed, with 20 hospitalized for treatment; those patients are later released. Authorities describe the fentanyl as an illicit version, reflecting that it is not legally manufactured or prescribed in the usual medical sense. Officials continue to investigate how the substance was present at the scene and what circumstances led to the exposure, while coordinating care for those affected and assessing public health implications. The focus remains on confirming the substance, documenting the number and condition of those exposed, and understanding the chain of events that resulted in fatalities and widespread exposure.