Troopers: Mix of heroin and fentanyl sickened 29 at Ross Correctional Institution

Sarah Brookbank | Cincinnati Enquirer

Show Caption Hide Caption What we know about the RCI possible overdoses More than 24 people have been treated for exposure to an unknown substance at Ross Correctional Institution in Chillicothe.

The Ohio State Highway Patrol said a mixture of heroin and fentanyl has been identified as the substance that sickened 29 people, including staff and inmates, at Ross Correctional Institution in Chillicothe on Wednesday.

The substance that caused an apparent overdose of one inmate and required medical attention for 27 staff members. Approximately 31 inmates who were not affected were removed from the cellblock and relocated inside the facility.

A sample of the substance was collected from the prison and sent to the Ohio State Highway Patrol crime lab for testing.

More: Doctor says initial Ross Correctional incident was likely exposure to opioid

A total of 29 people were possibly exposed to the mixture, troopers said. There were 28 people taken to the hospital and 24 required treatment. Of those transported, there were 23 correction officers, four nurses, and one inmate. One additional inmate was treated on scene and was not transported.

One staff member and one inmate remain hospitalized. All other employees have been discharged. The situation remains under investigation by the Highway Patrol.