LaQuinta Inn Evacuated Briefly Today

LaQuinta Inn in Effingham was evacuated early this afternoon, but things are back to normal at the motel now.

Authorities were summoned to the scene after initial reports indicated both motel guests and staff members were sick, leading to the evacuation of the motel, located along Avenue of Mid America.

Effingham police and firefighters believe a motel occupant released a respiratory irritant and the substance spread enough that it sickened some in the structure. No one was taken for treatment, although two people were treated at the scene.

There were 44 people occupying 26 rooms at the time of the incident. A family from Mt. Zion swimming in the motel pool said they were told that everyone in the facility needed to evacuate, but they were later allowed to return to the motel. 

Authorities were continuing their investigation to determine whether the release of the substance was intentional.