Seven inmates were hospitalized after suspected overdoses at a men’s prison near downtown Los Angeles

LOS ANGELES (KABC) — Officials said seven inmates were hospitalized Tuesday morning after suspected overdoses at Men’s Central Prison near downtown Los Angeles.

Shortly before 7 a.m., Los Angeles Fire Department firefighter-paramedics were called by Los Angeles County Sheriff’s Department personnel to “help seven individuals (all possibly inmates) who may have inhaled or been exposed to a substance that has not yet been formally identified as jail,” the LAFD said in a statement.

All seven patients were transported to hospitals for further evaluation or required care, officials said. One of them is in critical condition, and the condition of the remaining six is ​​said to be stable.

“No escalating or off-site threats have been identified,” the press release reads.

Just before 3 p.m., seven deputies were taken to hospitals as a precaution after experiencing symptoms potentially related to a suspected overdose that occurred earlier.

“Deputies were searching the dormitory and inmate property before re-occupying the area when some of the inmates began to experience symptoms,” the Sheriff’s Office said in a statement.

All deputies were conscious and in stable condition.