At least 27 individuals were rushed to hospital on Thursday morning following a suspected mass drug overdose in the Penn North area of West Baltimore. Seven of the victims are reported to be in critical condition, though no fatalities have been confirmed as of Thursday evening.
The incident unfolded near a major intersection in the neighborhood around 9:30 a.m. local time, according to Fire Chief James Wallace. Emergency services responded to calls about multiple people experiencing overdose symptoms. Victims were found sprawled across sidewalks, alleyways, subway platforms, and other nearby areas.
Baltimore Police and Fire Department personnel secured the scene, shutting down streets and rerouting public transport to facilitate emergency response efforts. Officials have not yet disclosed the substances involved in the suspected overdoses, but they are treating the situation as a possible case of contaminated or laced drugs.
Baltimore State’s Attorney Ivan Bates described the situation as a sobering reminder of the city’s “ongoing battle against the opioid epidemic,” which continues to devastate communities nationwide.
Maryland Governor Wes Moore also weighed in, stating his office is coordinating with city officials, first responders, and state agencies to monitor and respond to the crisis. “I’m grateful to those who quickly alerted us about this situation, and those who are providing support to the community,” Moore said in a statement.
In recent years, drug overdoses have surged across the United States, with the Centers for Disease Control and Prevention (CDC) reporting a 500% increase in overdose deaths between 1999 and 2022. The current wave is fueled largely by synthetic opioids like fentanyl, which are often mixed with other drugs without users’ knowledge, making them especially dangerous.
Baltimore Mayor Brandon Scott issued a public advisory encouraging those who use drugs to take precautionary steps, including not using alone and carrying naloxone, a life-saving medication that can reverse opioid overdoses.
As the investigation continues, city officials urge residents to avoid the affected area while health and emergency services work to manage the crisis and prevent further harm.
