Dozens of hospitals were taken to hospital after suspicion of a large overdose in Baltimore

At least 27 people were hospitalized in West Baltimore after suspected drug overdose.

CBS News, a U.S. partner of the BBC, reported that officials from the district fire department reported seven people were admitted in critical situations — but no reports were reported.

The incident occurred Thursday morning near a intersection in the city’s North Pennsylvania.

Officials did not disclose what substances they suspected might be involved.

Overdoses in the United States have increased rapidly over the past two decades. According to the Centers for Disease Control and Prevention (CDC), the number of drug overdose deaths increased by 500% between 1999 and 2022.

During this time, the CDC has identified three major causes: the first involves prescribed opioids, the second heroin and recently synthetic opioids.

Illegal drugs are increasingly cut by synthetic drugs, such as fentanyl, increasing the risk of excessive or toxic substances.

Baltimore State Attorney Ivan Bates said the incident was a “strong reminder” of the city’s “ongoing battle against the opioid epidemic.”

Fire Chief James Wallace told reporters Thursday that emergency services at the Baltimore incident were pointed at multiple suspected overdoses.

He said people were found in two intersecting avenues as well as subway platforms and alleys following the initial response at around 09:30 local time (14:30 BST), according to CBS.

Baltimore police posted on X on Thursday that they and fire service “refer to multiple people experiencing symptoms of overdose” at road intersections.

The police department asked people to avoid the area as multiple streets have been blocked and buses have been changed.

Maryland Gov. Wes Moore said Thursday that his team is coordinating with state agencies, city officials and first responders.

“I thank those who promptly remind us of this situation, and those who support the community,” Moore said.

Additionally, the latest news from Mayor Brandon Scott of the city provides advice to residents who use the drug, including never taking it alone and carrying naloxone – which can reverse or reduce the effects of overdose.