Dozens taken to hospital after suspected mass overdose in Baltimore

July 11, 2025

At least 25 people in West Baltimore were hospitalized following suspected drug overdoses Thursday morning near a road intersection in the Penn North area, with five in critical condition. Emergency services responded around 09:20 local time after being alerted by members of the public, finding affected individuals along two intersecting avenues, subway platforms, and alleyways. The incident prompted authorities to close a nearby subway station, block roads, and reroute buses while they investigated.

Who is affected

At least 25 people in West Baltimore who experienced suspected drug overdoses
Five individuals admitted in critical condition
Other patients in serious condition
Residents and commuters in the Penn North area affected by transportation disruptions
General public in the area (due to road closures and transit disruptions)
Drug users in Baltimore (as addressed in the mayor's advice)

What action is being taken

Emergency services are responding to the multiple overdose victims
Maryland Department of Transportation has closed a nearby subway station
Roads are being blocked off and buses rerouted
Baltimore Police and fire services are on scene managing the emergency
State agencies, city officials, and first responders are coordinating their response
The city's health department is providing free Naloxone or Narcan to residents

Why it matters

The incident highlights Baltimore's ongoing struggle with the opioid epidemic
The scale of the incident (25+ people affected simultaneously) indicates a potentially dangerous batch of drugs circulating in the community
The emergency created significant disruption to public transportation and traffic in the area
The incident required a coordinated response from multiple city and state agencies
It demonstrates the continuing public health crisis related to drug use in Baltimore

What's next

No explicit next steps stated in the article

Read full article from source: BBC