Dozens taken to hospital after suspected mass overdose in Baltimore

At least 27 people have been hospitalized in West Baltimore after suspected drug overdose.

Referring to fire department officials in the region, the US partner of the BBC CBS News reports that seven people have been critical – but no casualties have been reported.

The incident took place near a crossroads in the area of ​​Penn North of the city on Thursday morning.

Officials have not revealed what substances they suspect may have participated in.

The United States is observing a rapid increase in the number of drug overdose over the last two decades. The death of drug overdose increased by 500% between 1999 and 2022, according to CDC control and prevention centers (CDC).

During this period of time, CDC identifies three waves with predominant reasons: the first, including opioids with a prescription, the second heroin, and the most synthetic opioids.

Illegal drugs are increasingly cut with synthetic drugs – such as fentanyl – which increase the risk of overdose or poisonous substances.

Baltimore law lawyer Ivan Bates said the incident served as a “powerful reminder” of the “continuing battle in the city against the opioid epidemic”.

Fire chief James Wallace told reporters on Thursday that emergency services at the scene of the Baltimore incident are aimed at many people suspected of overdose.

He said that people were found on two intersecting roads, as well as on the subway platforms and along the alleys after the initial response around 09:30 local time (14:30 BST), according to CBS.

Police in Baltimore published on X on Thursday that they and the fire departments were at the road intersection “in connection with numerous persons experiencing symptoms of overdose.”

The police service asked people to avoid the area as many streets were blocked and the buses diverted.

Maryland Governor Wes Moore also said that his team was coordinating with state agencies, city officials and first answers on Thursday.

“I am grateful to those who quickly warned us about this situation and those who provide support to the community,” Moore said.

Separately, an update from the mayor of the city, Brandon Scott, offers tips to residents who use drugs, including never to use themselves and carry naloxone – which can turn or reduce the effects of overdose.