Mass Overdose Incident in West Baltimore Sends 25 to Hospital**

At least 25 individuals have been hospitalized due to suspected overdoses near a subway station in West Baltimore, with several in critical condition. The incident highlights the ongoing opioid crisis as emergency services respond swiftly to the scene.**

At least 25 people were rushed to hospitals in West Baltimore after multiple suspected drug overdoses occurred on Thursday morning. According to local emergency officials, five individuals were reported in critical condition, while others were assessed as serious. The troubling events unfolded near a busy road intersection in the Penn North area, leading to significant disruptions, including the closure of a nearby subway station and the rerouting of local bus services.

Fire Chief James Wallace detailed that local citizens were pivotal in alerting emergency services, guiding them to various locations where individuals were found alone, including subway platforms and nearby alleyways. The first response came in around 09:20 local time, according to reports from CBS News.

While authorities have not yet identified the specific substances involved in these overdoses, Baltimore Police took to social media, urging people to avoid the area as emergency responders worked diligently to manage the situation and provide necessary medical aid.

City State Attorney Ivan Bates emphasized the gravity of the incident, reiterating the persistent threat posed by the opioid epidemic in the community. He pledged to collaborate closely with emergency services and public health officials to uncover more details regarding the event.

Maryland Governor Wes Moore also noted the coordinated efforts among various state and local agencies in response to the crisis. He expressed gratitude for the fast response from citizens and emergency personnel.

In a related message, Mayor Brandon Scott offered guidelines for drug users, advising them to avoid using substances alone and to keep Naloxone or Narcan on hand—medications that can reverse opioid overdoses, which are available for free through the city's health department. The incident remains a critical reminder of the ongoing struggle against drug addiction and overdose in Baltimore.