Jake's 58 casino evacuated temporarily after 'chemical smell' in hotel

Jake’s 58 Casino Hotel was evacuated temporarily Friday afternoon after multiple employees fell ill, citing “a chemical smell,” Suffolk County police said.

At approximately 1 p.m. Suffolk County police and fire and EMS personnel responded to the casino. Authorities deemed the situation “not hazardous,” police said. At approximately 2:45 p.m., players were allowed back in the casino, and hotel guests were allowed to return to their rooms.

Three employees who were evaluated at the scene were subsequently transported to local hospitals “as a precaution,” police said.

In a statement, Michael Bonakdar, general manager of Jake’s 58, said "at least two employees sought medical attention after responding to a welfare check in one of the hotel rooms."

"Out of an abundance of caution, the hotel and casino were evacuated by local law enforcement," the statement said. "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."

Matthew Morano, 49, of Fire Island, said he checked out of his seventh-floor hotel room just after noon Friday and was in the lobby for the next 90 minutes. "All the sudden medics started coming in with stretchers," he said.

"There was a big scene around here," Morano continued. After stepping outside at around 1:45 p.m. he said authorities "wouldn't let me back in."

When he heard employees felt ill after noticing a chemical, he said he felt “a little dizzy” and was evaluated by members of the Brentwood Legion Ambulance.

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

With Carl MacGowan