Baltimore police are investigating a “mass casualty” overdose event where an unknown drug sent 27 people to the hospital.
Several roads were shut down around Pennsylvania and North Avenues in West Baltimore on July 10 when it was discovered that people were in distress.
Initial reports indicated at least five victims were in critical condition. Mayor Brandon Scott’s office confirmed to The Epoch Times via email that as of July 11, there have been no confirmed fatalities.
Baltimore City Fire Chief James Wallace called it a “Level 1 mass casualty incident” during a press conference on July 10.
“Our initial responders recognized right away where this was heading and called for a lot of resources.”
Emergency responders were tending to the first overdose victim before police shut the area down, and nearby citizens directed them to more unconscious victims.
After four more individuals were found affected by drugs, the first responders called for additional units to assist.
Baltimore dispatched 13 medical units to the area, with some transporting patients across multiple trips.
Additionally, firefighters and other first responders offered aid.
According to Wallace, the city does not yet know what drug was involved or what caused the victims to lose consciousness.
Deputy Commissioner Kevin Jones of the Baltimore Police Department told reporters that the area was an “active crime scene” and it was being treated as a search and rescue operation.
“We’re utilizing our investigators as well as every crime camera we may have in the area,” Jones said.
In addition to offering medical support, the police said they were canvassing the area “trying to figure out the root cause of what is going on right now.”
Maryland Gov. Wes Moore posted on X about the mass overdose, saying his team was “coordinating with state agencies, city officials, and first responders” to provide support to the community.
Anyone with information about the incident is encouraged to call the Baltimore Police Department.
Sarah Whaley, director of the Mayor’s Office of Overdose Response, told reporters that outreach teams from her office were distributing both opioid antidotes and test strips, saying: “We don’t know what’s in the [drug] supply.”
Baltimore Mayor Brandon Scott’s office suggested those who might still be using drugs in the area should use caution and carry naloxone or Narcan, which can mitigate the impacts of an overdose.
The office says they are available for free through the Baltimore City Health Department.
The Substance Abuse and Mental Health Services Administration hotline at 800-662-4357 is available to help anyone with substance abuse issues.
The Epoch Times has reached out to the city of Baltimore for additional details.
