New York State Casino Evacuated Temporarily After Chemical Smell

New York State Casino Evacuated Temporarily After Chemical Smell

On Friday, a chemical-like smell at Jake's 58 Casino Hotel on Long Island, New York, compelled both staff and guests to vacate.

At 1 p.m., the evacuation started. At around 2:45 p.m., officials were permitted to return to the Islandia, New York, gaming establishment after finding nothing untoward there.

As a precaution, three workers were examined at a nearby hospital, Newsday said.

When the three staff members discovered the odd odor, they were participating in what was called a "welfare check" of a hotel room.

After being notified, emergency personnel searched the property. EMS personnel, firefighters, and Suffolk County police officers were among the responding units.

According to News 12 Long Island, nothing dangerous was found, and there is no information available regarding the source of the questionable smell.

"Out of an abundance of caution, the hotel and casino were evacuated by local law enforcement,” Michael Bonakdar, general manager of Jake’s 58 Casino Hotel, said in a statement.

“After a brief evacuation, it was determined that there was no threat to the public, and all patrons were able to re-enter the casino.”

Feeling lightheaded

One visitor, 49-year-old Matthew Morano of Fire Island, New York, admitted to feeling a touch lightheaded to Newsday. He was examined by an EMT crew.

"They just wanted to check me out,” Morano said. “They offered me to go to the hospital, but I don’t need to take up a spot. I’m OK.”

He had left his hotel room on the seventh floor at around midday.

He stayed till 1:30 p.m. in the lobby.

“All the sudden, medics started coming in with stretchers,” Morano recalled. “There was a big scene around here.”