Seven students from Providence College narrowly escaped a potential tragedy after overdosing on cocaine that was believed to be contaminated with fentanyl. The incident occurred on December 5 when first responders arrived at a residence on Liege Street, initially responding to reports of two victims. However, they soon discovered a total of seven individuals affected, prompting the declaration of a mass casualty incident.
Emergency personnel from the Providence Fire Department arrived at the scene and quickly began administering advanced life support, including naloxone, a medication that counteracts the effects of opioids. Thanks to their swift response, all seven students were successfully treated and taken to local hospitals where they ultimately survived.
Following the overdoses, the Providence Police Department initiated an investigation that led to the arrest of three individuals in connection with supplying the drugs. Angel F. Williams, 33, and two others were apprehended after police executed a search warrant at an apartment nearby, uncovering approximately 20 grams of fentanyl, cash, and multiple firearms. Williams faces a total of 27 charges, including possession with intent to deliver fentanyl and unlawful firearm possession, while the other two arrested individuals were charged with several related offenses.
Rhode Island has been facing a significant challenge with drug overdoses, particularly those involving fentanyl—accounting for a majority of the overdose deaths in recent years. However, there has been a notable decline in fatal overdoses, attributed largely to increased availability of naloxone and community education efforts. In fact, overdose fatalities dropped from 436 in 2022 to 329 in 2024, signaling the effectiveness of statewide prevention initiatives.
Authorities emphasize the dangers of fentanyl, which is often mixed with other drugs like cocaine to increase potency, making it extremely risky for users. The Rhode Island Department of Health warns that even a minuscule amount of fentanyl can result in a fatal overdose, particularly for individuals unfamiliar with opioids.
In response to incidents like these, state lawmakers have enacted legislation mandating that all colleges train resident assistants in administering naloxone and ensure its availability in on-campus housing. For Providence College, this means a proactive approach to student safety, with training already provided to resident assistants this past summer.
Providence College has expressed gratitude toward emergency responders for their rapid and effective intervention, which averted what could have been a tragic outcome. The college has also confirmed that it will carry out a thorough investigation into the circumstances of the overdoses.
As Rhode Island continues to grapple with the opioid crisis, community engagement and education remain vital in supporting affected individuals and families, reinforcing the message that preventative measures can save lives.