Deer Park, New York – A tragic accident unfolded in Deer Park on Long Island as a minivan crashed into a nail salon, resulting in the loss of four lives and leaving nine others injured. According to a Suffolk County fire official, the incident occurred at Hawaii Nail & Spa store around 4:40 p.m., causing devastation inside the business.
First responders faced a challenging scene, with people trapped inside the salon following the crash. Assistant Chief Dominic Albanese of the Deer Park Fire Department shared with the press that those trapped were extricated and rushed to nearby hospitals for treatment. The driver, found semiconscious, was also taken to a hospital for further evaluation.
As authorities delved into the circumstances surrounding the crash, questions arose about whether the collision was accidental or intentional. The Suffolk County Police Department’s major case unit detectives have taken on the investigation to determine the cause of the tragic event. Photos captured at the scene depicted a significant hole in the storefront in the strip mall where the nail salon is located.
Eyewitnesses, like Eric Perez who was present at the scene, described hearing the impact and subsequent chaos that followed. Perez recounted the moment as the sound of shattering, unlike anything he had heard before. As emergency crews sprang into action, removing victims from the scene, Perez and his wife observed the harrowing sight of individuals being carried out on stretchers.
In response to the tragic incident, approximately 150 firefighters and medical personnel mobilized to provide assistance. Assistant Chief Albanese acknowledged the immense challenge the community and volunteer fire department faced but expressed determination to work through the adversity. The aftermath of the crash left a profound impact on all involved, with a long road to recovery ahead for the affected community.