Dozens Hospitalized in Baltimore Amid Mass Overdose Incident

The unsettling incident occurred near a subway station in the Penn North area on Thursday morning, prompting emergency services to respond swiftly as members of the public directed them to multiple overdose cases.

At least 25 people have been rushed to hospitals in West Baltimore after a reported mass overdose incident, with officials indicating that five of them are in critical condition and others listed as serious. The alarming event unfolded near a street intersection in the Penn North region around 09:20 local time, leading to significant action from the Maryland Department of Transportation, which temporarily closed a nearby subway station and blocked surrounding roads.

Fire Chief James Wallace revealed during a press conference that emergency responders were alerted by bystanders who reported multiple individuals suffering from overdose symptoms. Reports indicated that victims were discovered along two intersecting avenues, on subway platforms, and in alleyways. In an effort to manage the situation, the Baltimore Police department used their platform on X to advise the public to steer clear of the area, as emergency services dealt with the evolving crisis.

Baltimore's state attorney, Ivan Bates, noted the incident highlights the ongoing challenges posed by the city’s opioid crisis. He pledged his office's assistance to emergency services and the health department in investigating the circumstances surrounding the event.

Meanwhile, Maryland Governor Wes Moore expressed gratitude to those who quickly reported the troubling situation and emphasized the importance of state agencies and first responders working together to support the community. The Mayor of Baltimore, Brandon Scott, also issued guidance for residents who use drugs, advising them to avoid using alone and to carry naloxone or Narcan, which can be obtained for free from the city's health department, as part of the effort to combat the opioid epidemic.