4 Dead, 9 Injured in Fatal Crash into a Nail Salon in Long Island

Deer Park, Long Island – A devastating incident unfolded on Friday afternoon when a minivan crashed into a nail salon in Deer Park, Long Island, resulting in the deaths of four individuals and injuring nine others. The tragic event occurred at approximately 4:30 p.m. at Hawaii Nail & Spa, located at 796 Grand Boulevard.

According to Deer Park Fire Department Assistant Chief Dominic Albanese, the minivan drove through the front of the nail salon and nearly exited through the back, trapping employees and customers inside. Emergency responders, including nine fire departments and approximately 150 firefighters and EMS personnel, swiftly arrived at the scene to extricate the trapped individuals and transport the injured to local hospitals.

All four fatalities were individuals inside the nail salon at the time of the crash. Among the nine injured, one person was airlifted to Stony Brook University Hospital due to the severity of their injuries. The driver of the minivan, who has not been identified, was found partially conscious and was also hospitalized. The conditions of the other injured individuals vary, with some sustaining critical injuries.

Eyewitnesses described the harrowing moments leading up to and following the crash. Eric Perez, who was loading groceries in a nearby parking lot, recounted hearing the sound of a car speeding through the lot before the crash. "I didn't think anything of it," Perez said. "But then I heard something. It sounded like shattering … it was a sound that I never heard before."

Gina Perez, Eric's wife, witnessed emergency workers pulling bodies from the wreckage. "We saw the ambulance and emergency workers pulling one body out," she said. "And I saw two women I think worked there come out on stretchers."

The crash has left the Deer Park community in shock and mourning. Jasmine Darbouze, a regular customer at the nail salon, expressed her disbelief and sorrow. "I'm a customer every Friday. I don't know who's here and who's gone. I just keep picturing their faces," Darbouze said. "It's weird, it's like my Friday ritual. I know the owner and the ladies in there and I'm still in shock. I feel terrible."

Aisha Francis, who lives three blocks from the scene, shared her grief over the loss. "The people in the shop were always so kind and courteous," she said. "Very hospitable. This is devastating."

The cause of the crash remains under investigation by the Suffolk County Police Department. Authorities have not yet determined whether the crash was accidental or intentional. The minivan remained lodged in the rear of the salon hours after the crash, with its taillights still flashing.

Assistant Chief Albanese acknowledged the emotional toll on the first responders and the community. "It's horrible. It's going to be tough for the community and tougher for the volunteer fire department, but you know we're going to get through it," he said. "It's just a horrible thing to see especially at this time of the year with all the good things happening, graduations and whatnot."

The response to the incident was extensive, with nine fire departments, eight ambulance companies, and around 150 firefighters and EMS personnel mobilizing to the scene. The Deer Park Fire Department activated its crisis team to support the emotional well-being of the responders involved in the mass-casualty event.

As the investigation continues, the Deer Park community is left grappling with the aftermath of this tragic event. The loss of life and the injuries sustained have cast a pall over the area, with residents and officials alike seeking answers and solace in the wake of the disaster. Further updates are expected as authorities work to uncover the circumstances surrounding the crash.