25 hospitalized after suspected mass overdose in West Baltimore; drug not yet known
Officials in Baltimore are investigating after more than two dozen people seemingly experienced "overdose symptoms" when they came into contact with an unknown drug and were subsequently taken to hospitals, first responders said.
The incident took place in a neighborhood on the city's westside on the morning of Thursday, July 10, according to the Baltimore Police Department and Baltimore Fire Department.
On X, Baltimore police wrote officers and firefighters responded to the intersection of Pennsylvania and North avenues "in reference to multiple individuals experiencing overdose symptoms".
In addition to first responders, public health officials, and other volunteers distributed critical harm reduction supplies to those suspected of overdosing, the Baltimore mayor's office wrote in the statement.
"Between yesterday and this morning, there have been 27 total patient transports from the incident scene in the Penn North area of Baltimore, MD to eight hospitals in and around the city," the office wrote.
On Friday, WMAR-TV reported that 15 of the victims were listed in stable condition, according to officials. The conditions of the remaining people who were suspected of overdosing were not immediately known.
No fatalities had been reported as of July 11, the mayor's office said, but officials confirmed more than half a dozen people were taken to hospitals in critical condition.
A suspected batch of drugs was located in the area and identified by police in connection with the incident, city officials said.
It was not immediately known who the suspected drugs belonged to or who supplied them.
"Harm reduction teams worked together to mobilize resources like the Spot Mobile Van and deployed to canvas the area, including nearby vacant dwellings," the mayor's office wrote. "Teams distributed Narcan, test strips, safe use kits, and other harm reduction resources aimed at reducing overdoses."
What time did people supposedly overdose in Baltimore?
Crews responded to the area about 9:20 a.m. for several reported overdoses, Baltimore City Fire Chief James Wallace said, per CBS News.
"When the crews arrived, they encountered a patient they believed to be suffering from a drug overdose," according to CBS News. "The first responders were then approached by community members who directed them to additional people who were unresponsive."
Calling it "a significant public health event," the Mayor's Office of Overdose Response and Baltimore City Health Department released a statement reminding residents who use drugs to "practice harm reduction and risk reduction techniques."
What type of drug is suspected in the incident?
Officials have not said what type of drug was involved or whether any arrests are pending in the case.
On Friday, July 11, people were asked to avoid the area as police continued to investigate the scene and surrounding neighborhoods, "focusing on the source of the overdose event," the city wrote in its release. "BPD reminds individuals that under Good Samaritan laws, they can seek medical care without fear of arrest."
First responders and community partners remained on the ground Friday, distributing drug test strips and Narcan, "canvassing the neighborhood, and ensuring impacted residents get the medical care they need," the mayor's office said.
"Community partners will be on site through the night to continue Narcan and harm reduction distribution," according to the office.
The incident remained under investigation as of Friday, July 11.
'Never use alone, carry Narcan, test your drugs'
If you plan to use drugs, the mayor's office and city health department released these tips:
- Never use alone in the event you overdose.
- Carry Narcan; available for free through the Baltimore City Health Department.
- Test your drugs when using Fentanyl and Xylazine test strips, also available at the Baltimore City Health Department.
- Go slow as the illicit drug supply "is potent and mixed with various substances, so use smaller amounts if possible."
Anyone impacted by the July 10 incident should call 911 to seek immediate care. Additional resources are available through the Suicide and Crisis Lifeline 988 mobile helpline, the mayor's office said.
Natalie Neysa Alund is a senior reporter for Paste BN. Reach her at nalund@usatoday.com and follow her on X @nataliealund.