25 Hospitalized in Mass Overdose Event in West Baltimore

A mass overdose event in Baltimore's Penn-North neighborhood hospitalized at least 25 people on Thursday morning, with five reported in critical condition and no fatalities so far. Emergency responders initially arrived for a single overdose but were quickly directed by residents to multiple other victims found unconscious nearby. The incident prompted a large-scale response from fire, police, and public health agencies, and led to the closure of a subway station and several roads. Authorities are treating the area as an active crime scene and are investigating the source of the drugs, with some local harm reduction advocates warning of a 'bad batch.' The Baltimore City Health Department distributed naloxone in the area while urging caution among drug users. This mass casualty event underscores Baltimore’s ongoing struggle with the opioid crisis, which has been exacerbated by fentanyl and systemic failures in treatment and response.