At least 27 people were hospitalized after a suspected drug overdose in West Baltimore Thursday morning, according to city Fire officials. 

Fire crews and paramedics responded to the intersection of Pennsylvania and North Avenues around 9:20 a.m. for several reported overdoses,

When the crews arrived, they encountered a patient they believed to be suffering from a drug overdose. First responders were then approached by community members who directed them to additional people who were unresponsive, according to Wallace. 

"Along North Avenue, along Pennsylvania Avenue, both subway platforms, and then off the beaten path along some of the alleys," Wallace said.

At least 27 people were hospitalized, with five in critical condition and others in serious condition. People in the area told WJZ that the drug was given out as a tester to victims, and it was called "New Jack City," allegedly laced with freon or antifreeze, which can poison people, although officials have not confirmed this.  

Wallace said the number of hospitalizations is likely to change.

According to Wallace, 13 medic units responded to the scene, with some units dropping patients at local hospitals and returning. 

Transit, traffic impacts

The reported overdoses prompted a large emergency response and multiple streets were blocked. Individuals were asked to avoid the area.

The incident also prompted the closure of the Penn North Metro Subway station, according to the (MDOT). The station reopened on Friday at 5 a.m.

Investigating multiple reported overdoses

Deputy Baltimore Police Commissioner Kevin Jones said the area is being treated as an active crime scene. Officers are speaking with witnesses, canvassing the area and reviewing camera footage.

Sara Whaley, Executive Director of the Baltimore City Office of Overdose Response, said the office is passing out Narcan and test strips.

"We're really just trying to engage the community to let folks know that if they are using today, that we don't know what's in the supply, and for folks to be careful," she said.

Whaley said teams will be in the area all day.

Baltimore City State's Attorney Ivan Bates said his office will support local law enforcement in the investigation. 

"Today's mass overdose event at Penn and North serves as a powerful reminder of our city's ongoing battle against the opioid epidemic," Bates said in a statement.    

"Since this morning, prosecutors from my office have been in contact with and are ready to assist their counterparts at BPD who are on the scene," he added. "I commend the first responders who saved lives today, and I hold hope in my heart for the victims' swift and full recovery."

Baltimore opioid crisis 

Thursday's overdose incident comes a day after the Office of Overdose Response held its first community input forum, seeking thoughts from residents on how to use millions in settlements from battling pharmaceutical companies in court.

Allergan, CVS, Teva, Cardinal Health, Walgreens, and other companies agreed to pay the city for their role in the city's opioid crisis.

The input sessions are a part of Baltimore City's Overdose Strategic Plan that was released last week.

The plan was formulated based on results from a citywide needs assessment conducted by the Baltimore City Health Department.