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UPI
3 days ago
- Health
- UPI
Five hospitalized in another mass drug overdose incident in Baltimore
Baltimore police and fire personnel respond to a mass casualty overdose incident in West Baltimore on July 10. Another overdose incident was reported Friday in the same area. Photo courtesy of Baltimore Police Department/X July 19 (UPI) -- Five people in Baltimore were hospitalized for a reported mass overdose incident, one week after 27 were sickened in the same area of the city because of a "bad batch" of drugs, police said. The victims Friday were in serious condition, Baltimore Fire Chief James Wallace said at a news conference, including addition to two who refused treatment after first responders deployed Narcan. The 911 calls started coming just before 9 a.m. Friday and not from a concentrated area as last week, police said. Both incidents are in the historic Penn North neighborhood of West Baltimore. "People have already heard what is out here and yet they still gotta go get it because their body is calling for it," one man who goes by the nickname 'Slim Rob' told WJZ-TV. "It's heartbreaking, man. It's heartbreaking. You got people's mothers, fathers, aunts and uncles, grandparents out here -- and the kids need them and yet they need that when you can be gone like this." On July 10, people were hospitalized in the incident in West Baltimore, which law enforcement officers and community advocates called a "bad batch of drugs." BPD & @BaltimoreFire are on scene at the intersection of Pennsylvania & North Avenues in reference to multiple individuals experiencing overdose symptoms. More information to follow as it becomes available. Baltimore Police (@BaltimorePolice) July 10, 2025 "We understand that the supply across the city is very volatile right now," Baltimore Mayor Brandon Scott said. "If you see someone who may be overdosing, help them. If you have Narcan, administer it. Call 911. Don't walk past anyone who may be experiencing an overdose. "You can literally save their life by stepping in. That person is a human, that person is a Baltimorean." Police Commissioner Richard Worley said the incidents are being investigated separately. "We also have numerous officers working the area having to locate who the buyers were, who the sellers were and mainly who is bringing the drugs into the area," Worley said. Five people were arrested three days later on July 13 in the area on a charge of drug possession with intent to distribute. It's unclear if the arrested were linked to the mass overdose, according to Baltimore police. "I understand the frustration," Scott said about Penn North residents, who felt their concerns have been ignored. "We're talking about a neighborhood ... that has been so disinvested in for so long. We're not going to change that overnight." Scientists from the National Institute of Standards and Technology who examined substances from last week said they contained fentanyl, a powerful painkiller; methylclonazepam, which has sedative effects; Mannitol, a diuretic; quinine, an anti-malaria drug; and caffeine. Narcan, which is the brand name of naloxone, and fentanyl strips were distributed to the affected neighborhood last week. "Today's incident is a painful reminder that our work is far from over," Scott said. In Baltimore, opioid overdose deaths reached a high of 1,006 in 2021 and dropped to 895 in 2022 before going back up to 952 in 2023. Last year, there were 698 opioid overdose-related deaths in the city, according to state data. "People fade away -- they've got agendas, other things to do," Vincent Timmons, an outreach specialist at Tuerk House, told the Baltimore Banner. "People don't remember that area. They're used to that."
Yahoo
4 days ago
- General
- Yahoo
'Brutal truth' of serious pollution incidents by water companies revealed
Campaigners have said a new report has exposed the "brutal truth" about water companies after it found the number of serious pollution incidents caused by firms rose 60% last year compared with 2023. This included 75 incidents classified as being able to harm human health. The Environment Agency report revealed consistently poor performance from all nine water and sewerage firms in the country. James Wallace, chief executive of River Action, said the figures 'expose a brutal truth' as "serious pollution incidents are rising, sewage discharges remain rampant and our rivers are spiralling toward ecological collapse. 'This is not just regulatory failure, it is a national disgrace.' What did the report say? Every year the Environment Agency records the number of times pollution, including untreated sewage, is released into waterways from water company infrastructure such as pumping stations, pipes and treatment works. The new figures, released on Friday, show companies recorded a total of 2,801 incidents last year, up from 2,174 in 2023. The regulator splits these incidents into categories, with category 1 (major) and category 2 (significant) considered the most serious in terms of their impact on the environment, such as damage to ecosystems, the loss of wildlife and harm to human health. Last year, 75 category 1 and 2 incidents were recorded, up from 47 the previous year. Three water firms were responsible for 81% of these serious incidents: Thames Water with 33, Southern Water with 15, and Yorkshire Water with 13. Meanwhile, just two companies – Northumbrian Water and Wessex Water – had no serious incidents last year, meeting the Environment Agency's expectations to see a trend to zero serious pollution incidents by 2025. The Environment Agency attributed the rise in incidents last year to persistent underinvestment in new infrastructure, poor asset maintenance and reduced resilience because of the impacts of climate change. Chair Alan Lovell said the figures demonstrate "continued systemic failure by some companies to meet their environmental targets. The water industry must act urgently to prevent pollution from occurring, and to respond rapidly when it does." Lovell added the agency has increased the size of its workforce to "tighten our regulation" of the industry. Water UK, the trade association for the water industry, said "the performance of some companies is not good enough" but pointed to £104bn of investment over the next five years to "end sewage entering our rivers and seas". What next? The data comes before the publication of a landmark review of the water industry on Monday. Led by Sir John Cunliffe, he will outline recommendations to the government on tackling the sector's environmental and financial performance. It also follows a report released by the House of Commons Public Accounts Committee on Friday, in which a cross-bench group of MPs called the level of pollution 'woeful' and recommended an overhaul of the regulation system. Read more System of regulating water firms needs complete overhaul, MPs warn (PA Media) Thames Water boss receives £1m despite doubling in 'serious' pollution (The Standard) How one water company has gone 30 years without a hosepipe ban (Yahoo News UK)
The Guardian
5 days ago
- Politics
- The Guardian
Serious pollution incidents by England's water companies up 60% last year, data reveals
Serious pollution incidents from water companies were up 60% last year compared with the year before, data has revealed. These incidents are the most environmentally damaging kind and indicate that the sewage spill or other pollution incident has serious, extensive or persistent impact on the environment, people or property. They could, for example, result in mass fish deaths in rivers. The total number of serious pollution incidents in 2024 was 75, up from 47 in 2023. 81% of these – 61 of 75 – were from three water companies: Thames (33), Southern (15) and Yorkshire (13). Thames Water was the worst offender and doubled its serious incidents from 14 to 33. River Action's chief executive, James Wallace, said Thames Water should be put into special administration. He said: 'Thames Water, the most egregious polluter, should be put into special administration to start the reset. We need the prime minister and chancellor to empower and fund the environment secretary to end pollution for profit and enforce the law, backed by a credible plan to rebuild public trust. 'These figures expose a brutal truth: serious pollution incidents are rising, sewage discharges remain rampant, and our rivers are spiralling toward ecological collapse. This is not just regulatory failure; it is a national disgrace.' The sector total for all pollution incidents in 2024 was 2,801, an increase of 29% from 2,174 in 2023. Thames was again the worst polluter, responsible for 523 incidents, followed by Anglian Water (482), United Utilities (376), Southern Water (332), Severn Trent Water (300) and Wessex Water (248). Chris Weston, the company's chief executive, confirmed this week that Thames had asked to be let off fines. He told parliament's environment, food and rural affairs committee on Monday that ministers and the regulators needed to have a 'recognition of the reality of the situation', namely that they can't pay fines for polluting waterways with sewage and also financially turn around the company. The report, which focuses specifically on serious incidents, is the latest blow after years of growing public anger over sewage leaks and the failure of England's water companies to properly invest in their infrastructure. Alan Lovell, the chair of the Environment Agency, said: 'This report demonstrates continued systemic failure by some companies to meet their environmental targets. 'The water industry must act urgently to prevent pollution from occurring and to respond rapidly when it does. 'We have made significant changes to tighten our regulation of the water industry and ensure companies are held to account. With a dedicated larger workforce and increased funding, our officers are uncovering and acting on failures to comply with environmental law.' The public accounts committee today released a report which revealed there are too many environmental offences to prosecute every wastewater company for their poor environmental performance. It found that companies are expected to spend about £12bn in the next five years to update the system, but this will fix only about 44% of overflows. The Department for Environment, Food and Rural Affairs created an £11m fund for environmental improvements from water company fines in 2024, but has still not distributed the money. The report recommends that the government disburse the amounts promised by the end of the year and that regulators work urgently to ensure money raised from fines is reinvested into improving the system. Thames Water said: 'Last year was a very challenging year for pollution performance. Issues with our sewer networks caused a high volume of serious incidents, with blockages being the primary cause. Performance was adversely impacted by above average rainfall and high groundwater levels. Ten of the 33 incidents were on sites experiencing hydraulic overload while operating within permitted flow levels. 'It is important to remember that pollution reporting is largely a self-reported activity by water companies. While we recognise our serious pollution performance has not met our goals, it does demonstrate our commitment to the highest standards of transparency.' Southern Water and Yorkshire Water have been contacted for comment.
Yahoo
11-07-2025
- Health
- Yahoo
25 hospitalized after suspected mass overdose in West Baltimore; drug not yet known
Officials in Baltimore are investigating after more than two dozen people apparently experienced "overdose symptoms" after coming into contact with an unknown drug and were transported to hospitals, first responders said. The incident took place in a neighborhood on the city's westside on the morning on Thursday, July 10, according to the Baltimore Police Department and Baltimore Fire Department. In on X, Baltimore police wrote officers and firefighters responded to the intersection of Pennsylvania and North avenues "in reference to multiple individuals experiencing overdose symptoms". In addition to first responders, public health officials, and other volunteers distributed critical harm reduction supplies to those suspected of overdosing, the Baltimore mayor's office wrote in the statement. No fatalities had been reported as of July 11. "Harm reduction teams worked together to mobilize resources like the Spot Mobile Van and deployed to canvas the area, including nearby vacant dwellings," the mayor's office wrote. "Teams distributed Narcan, test strips, safe use kits, and other harm reduction resources aimed at reducing overdoses." Officials confirmed more than a half dozen people were transported to hospitals in critical condition. They were transported and a suspected batch of drugs was located in the area and identified by police in connection to the incident, officials for the city confirmed USA TODAY. It was not immediately known who the suspected drugs belonged to or who supplied them. On Friday, WMAR-TV reported 15 of the victims were listed in stable condition, according to officials. The conditions of the remaining people who suspectedly overdosed were not immediately known. Crews responded to the area about 9:20 a.m. for several reported overdoses, CBS News reported Baltimore City Fire Chief James Wallace said. "When the crews arrived, they encountered a patient they believed to be suffering from a drug overdose," the outlets wrote. "The first responders were then approached by community members who directed them to additional people who were unresponsive." Calling it "a significant public health event," the Mayor's Office of Overdose Response and Baltimore City Health Department released a statement reminding residents who use drugs "to practice harm reduction and risk reduction techniques" 25 hospitalized after suspected mass overdose in West Baltimore; drug not yet known Officials have not said what type of drug was involved or whether an arrests are pending in the case. On Friday people were being asked avoid the area as police continued to investigate the scene and surrounding neighborhoods, "focusing on the source of the overdose event," the city wrote in its release. "BPD reminds individuals that under Good Samaritan laws, they can seek medical care without fear of arrest." The incident remained under investigation on Friday. First responders and community partners remained on the ground Friday, the mayor office reported,, distributing drug test strips and Narcan, "canvassing the neighborhood, and ensuring impacted residents get the medical care they need." "Community partners will be on site through the night to continue Narcan and harm reduction distribution," the office reported. Amber Alert canceled, dad arrested: Missing child located after mom, teen girl found dead If you plan to use drugs, the mayor's office and health department released these tips: Never use alone in the event you overdose. Carry Narcan, available for free through the Baltimore City Health Department. Test your drugs when using Fentanyl and Xylazine test strips also available at the Baltimore City Health Department. Go slow as the illicit drug supply "is potent and mixed with various substances, so use smaller amounts if possible." Anyone impacted in the July 10 incident should call 911 to seek immediate care. Additional resources are available through the Suicide and Crisis Lifeline 988 mobile helpline, the mayor's office said. Natalie Neysa Alund is a senior reporter for USA TODAY. Reach her at nalund@ and follow her on X @nataliealund. This article originally appeared on USA TODAY: Suspected mass overdose sends 25 to hospital in Baltimore
Daily Mail
11-07-2025
- Health
- Daily Mail
Notorious city is hit by mass overdose of terrifying NEW drug that saw two dozen struck down
A mass drug overdose saw over two dozen people rushed to hospital after a new street drug was reportedly given out to unsuspecting users to test. The incident unfolded in Baltimore on Thursday morning, leaving men and women sprawled across the streets of the Penn North neighborhood. Officials have said that there were no fatalities but at least 27 people had to be rushed to hospital following the suspected overdoses. Fire Chief James Wallace said in an update on Friday that seven were in a critical condition, 15 were in a serious condition while the rest were noncritical. Authorities in the city have yet to formally reveal the drug responsible and who administered it, but local residents told WJZ that it is a new drug given out as a tester. Those who spoke with the outlet said it was called 'New Jack City', alleging that it was laced with Freon or antifreeze. No arrests have been made. Wallace said on Thursday that emergency teams found people along two intersecting avenues, subway platforms, and alleyways. Rescue teams had to spread out across the area, searching for others who had overdosed out of sight. Police teams used surveillance cameras to track people and canvassed locals to find others, the city's deputy police commissioner Kevin Jones said. WBAL reporter Tori Yorgey posted on her X page that in the 90 minutes she spent at the scene reporting she saw two people overdosing. Mayor Brandon Scott, alongside Wallace, said on Friday that emergency teams would remain canvassing the area and administering Narcan. Sarah Whaley of the Mayor's Office of Overdose Response said teams would be in place to hand out Narcan, test strips and public health messaging. She added: 'If you are using today, please do not use alone. Please go slow and have Narcan available.' Scott said: 'The days of approaching drug addiction and overdose as a criminal thing are gone. 'The police department will deal with the actual folks that are providing and dealing drugs, and bring this into the community. 'But when you are talking about folks that are using, we have to be ready to help them with the services they need - when they are ready for them.' According to the CDC, drug overdose deaths have climbed 500 percent between 1999 and 2022. The CDC said that over that time period they have identified three distinct causes, the first involving prescription opioids, then heroin, followed by synthetic opioids. It came just one day after the local City Council held a public hearing on the drug crisis, headed by Councilwoman Phylicia Porter. She said in an interview with The Baltimore Banner on Thursday: 'It underscores the urgency that we have and continue to have to promote harm reduction approaches in Baltimore.' In an investigation led by The Banner and The New York Times, they found that the overdose epidemic in Baltimore had killed nearly 6,000 people since 2018. Maryland Governor Wes Moore said: 'Our team is coordinating with state agencies, city officials, and first responders on the ground in West Baltimore today. 'I'm grateful to those who quickly alerted us about this situation, and those who are providing support to the community.'
