A tragic accident occurred on Friday afternoon in Deer Park when a reportedly intoxicated driver smashed his vehicle through the frontage of Hawaii Nail & Spa, resulting in four fatalities and nine injuries, according to law enforcement authorities.
The four deceased, including off-duty NYPD Officer Emilia Rennhack, were confirmed dead at the scene. Another nine victims were taken to various hospitals with injuries of differing severities. A physician assistant from the Suffolk County Medical Examiner’s Office pronounced the deaths.
According to Suffolk County Police, around 4:30 p.m., 64-year-old Steven Schwally of Dix Hills lost control of his 2020 Chevy Traverse, careened across a parking lot and barreled into the nail salon, which was operational at the time. The force of the collision pushed the SUV to the rear of the salon, trapping patrons and employees.
Responders from nine fire departments and approximately 150 fire and medical personnel attended to the crisis, handling a scene described as a mass-casualty event. Authorities state that Schwally faces charges of driving while intoxicated. Previous records indicate that Schwally has a history of DUI, with a similar charge from 2014.
Hawaii Nail & Spa, part of a strip mall on Grand Boulevard and a neighbor to various businesses, was significantly damaged, with the structure’s front windows completely shattered.
Source: Newsday
