ST. LOUIS, MO (KTVI) – At least 25 more people have been treated for synthetic opioid related overdoses in downtown St. Louis.
According to a tweet from the St. Louis Fire Department, the patients are being treated and transported to area hospitals.
Since Monday, EMS crews have received calls for more than 70 drug overdoses in just a small corner of the city. Witnesses say the scene is that of a zombie movie, with people seizing on the sidewalks and wandering in the streets.
St. Louis Fire Chief Dennis Jenkerson said crews responded to at least 28 cases Thursday. Many of those who overdosed are homeless.
Investigators tell FOX 2 that the K2 is sprayed with a chemical and sold with the label “not for human consumption.” However, it is purchased and smoked by individuals who are seeking a high.
The overdoses happened within a 6 block radius in downtown St. Louis, centered on Locust Street between 13th and 14th, where homeless individuals congregate daily. The area is adjacent to the homeless shelter operated by the New Life Evangelistic Center.
On Wednesday, the center was given a notice from the City of St. Louis to close its doors citing a lack of occupancy permit. Center Director, Reverend Larry Rice said they are appealing that notice.
Jenkerson said the drug hits fast and they think people are doing it together because multiple overdoses are happening at the same time.
Police confirmed one arrest had been made in the case.
This is an ongoing investigation.
Today, as of 2:00PM @STLFireDept has responded to 25 #K2 related overdose incidents w/18 transports. #dwntwn #EMS #STLCity pic.twitter.com/dN2WqsJY55
— St. Louis Fire Dept (@STLFireDept) November 10, 2016
Nine more, non-fatal overdose cases today among homeless, synthetic pot. pic.twitter.com/DAGizCYIZW
— Kevin Killeen (@KMOXKilleen) November 10, 2016
St Louis Fire Department responding to various locations for K2 related overdoses. Currently 13 patients treated & or transported. pic.twitter.com/ZZHSrynWPf
— Kelley Hoskins FOX2 (@KelleyHoskins) November 10, 2016