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2w ago

Mass Overdose Cluster Sends 25 to Hospital in Baltimore’s Penn-North

Police have sealed off the area as a crime scene to collect evidence of the suspected contaminated supply.

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Baltimore City Police Department officers work on the corner of North Avenue and Pennsylvania Avenue, where at least 25 people were suspected of suffering overdoses. Many discovered lying unconscious on the street. The area is cordoned off as emergency responders work to provide aid and investigate the scene. (Kenneth K. Lam/Sun Staff)
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Baltimore police and fire officials respond to a series of overdoses at the intersection of Pennsylvania and North avenues, where more than 15 people were reported to have overdosed by noon. First responders treated three people behind a CVS around 9:30 a.m., and additional cases were reported nearby, including near Penn Station and the Enoch Pratt Free Library. Narcan was distributed by community groups on site, and a mobile command center was established as people were transported to area hospitals for treatment. (Nia Meyers/Staff)

Overview

  • The event began around 9:20 a.m. on July 10 when first responders arrived at Penn and North avenues to find multiple unresponsive individuals.
  • Fire Chief James Wallace declared a level-one mass casualty incident after crews encountered more than two dozen suspected overdose victims.
  • Hospitals admitted 25 people with overdose symptoms, including five in critical condition, and no deaths have been reported as of the evening.
  • Deputy Commissioner Kevin Jones said investigators are treating the site as an active crime scene while tracing the source of the tainted batch.
  • The Baltimore City Health Department and local harm reduction groups have intensified naloxone distribution and urged residents to test substances and carry Narcan.