No fewer than 25 people have been taken to hospital in West Baltimore following suspected drug overdoses.
According to West Baltimore officials from the fire service, the BBC’s US partner CBS News reported that five individuals were admitted in critical condition, with others in serious condition.
The incident occurred near a road crossing in the city’s Penn North neighbourhood on Thursday morning, prompting the Maryland Department of Transportation to close a nearby subway station and block highways.
Fire Chief James Wallace told reporters that emergency personnel on the scene were directed to many people suspected of overdosing by members of the public.
According to CBS, after the initial response at around 09:20 local time (14:20 BST), people were spotted along two crossing avenues, on subway platforms and in alleyways.
Officials have not identified any substances they think to be involved.
On Thursday, Baltimore Police wrote on X that they and fire services were at the crossroads “in reference to multiple individuals experiencing overdose symptoms”.
The police department advised people to avoid the area since many streets had been sealed off and buses had been rerouted.
Ivan Bates, the city’s state attorney, stated that the incident “serves as a powerful reminder of our city’s ongoing battle against the opioid epidemic”.
He also stated that his office will assist emergency services and the health department in their efforts to determine what transpired.
Maryland Governor Wes Moore also stated on Thursday that his staff is cooperating with state agencies, city leaders, and first responders.
“I’m grateful to those who quickly alerted us about this situation and those who are providing support to the community,” Mr Moore said.
Separately, in an update, the city’s mayor, Brandon Scott, advised individuals who take narcotics not to do so alone and to carry Naloxone or Narcan, both of which can be obtained for free from the city’s health department.
