Nearly THIRTY University of Massachusetts students required hospital treatment after drinking ‘blackout rage gallons’ in TikTok binge drinking trend at off-campus parties ahead of St. Patrick’s Day
- Several UMass students were hospitalized after drinking ‘blackout rage gallons’
- The drinks, called BORGs, consist of a water jug with vodka and electrolytes
- Students were attending a party when the ambulance was called on Saturday
About 30 University of Massachusetts students attending a St. Patrick’s Day celebration were rushed to hospital after drinking “blackout rage gallons” inspired by a TikTok trend.
Videos showed several students walking in groups to the party known as Blarney Blowout with their drinks, called BORGs, while wearing green clothing on a Saturday afternoon.
The infamous TikTok drinks are made using a half-filled water jug, supplemented with vodka, electrolytes, and flavorings that can drown out the taste of alcohol.
BORGs became popular among college students because they reduce the likelihood of spikes and prevent the spread of infectious disease, according to Poison Control.
Officials said 28 ambulances were called to the party, including from outstations. There were no life-threatening cases, the Amherst Fire Department said.
About 30 University of Massachusetts students attending a St. Patrick’s Day celebration were rushed to hospital after drinking “blackout rage gallons” inspired by a TikTok trend
Videos showed several students walking in groups to the party known as Blarney Blowout with their drinks, called BORGs, while wearing green clothes on a Saturday afternoon
While on their way to Blarney Blowout, some students were stopped by TikTokers who asked what they called their drinks.
Most BORGs are known to have some sort of design with sharp points.
“We need to know, what’s your name BORG?” A man can be heard asking UMass students walking to the party in a group.
“I hate being so BORG,” a student replied, holding up her blue drink.
“BORGasm,” agreed another.
Another 20 or so students with BORGs passed by with multicolored drinks.
TikToker kettlebellkel filmed herself just before she went to the party holding her green BORG. She was later seen at the outdoor party interviewing her peers about the name of their BORG.
“What’s your name BORG?” she asked.
“This is the curious BORG,” said a student in a green Boston Celtic jersey.
Other witty responses included Justin BORGber, Jake GreenBORG, BORGan Freema, and Soulja BORG.
Several BORGs were almost half full to empty and several students appeared to be intoxicated. The video’s caption read, “Bad day being a guarantor at UMass,” and was viewed 1.8 million times.
The infamous TikTok drinks are made using a half-filled gallon water jug supplemented with vodka, electrolytes, and flavorings that can drown out the taste of alcohol
While on their way to Blarney Blowout, some students were stopped by TikTokers asking what they called their drinks
Other witty responses included Justin BORGber, Jake GreenBORG, BORGan Freema, and Soulja BORG
The video’s caption read, “Bad day being bail at UMass and had 1.8 million views
Several students said they started drinking as early as 7 a.m. on Saturdays
One person remembered the chaos when they saw ambulances arrive at the off-campus party.
“It was very hectic,” said Ronan Lambert Western mass news. ‘This entire street was fully booked with students and teachers. Police were everywhere.’
Other students at the party recalled seeing more police presence around UMass during Saturday’s festivities compared to last year.
“This is the first time we actually see them, it’s the first time they told us to leave,” Mia Dellestrio told the news outlet. “So it’s definitely different this year than last year.
“Some people are probably like, ‘Oh my God, the cops are here.'”
Meanwhile, university officials said they plan to work on educating students about alcohol safety.
