Emilia Rennhack, Jiancai Chen, Yan Xu, and Meizi Zhang killed and driver Steven Schwally, 64, arrested after vehicle crashes into business off of Grand Boulevard in Deer Park, New York

Modified Date: 
Thu, 08/01/2024 - 6:30am
Accident Date: 
Friday, June 28, 2024

Driver arrested for DWI after crash into nail salon kills four people on Long Island

Police arrested 64-year-old Steven Schwally on DWI charges.

4 dead, 9 injured after car crashes into Deer Park, Long Island nail salon

It happened at Hawaii Nail and Spa on 796 Grand Blvd. at a strip mall in Deer Park on Friday afternoon.

4 Killed, 9 Injured After Vehicle Crashes Into NY Store

Those injured had to be extricated after being trapped in the shop, according to multiple reports.

4 dead, 9 injured after minivan drives through Long Island nail salon, fire official says

The nail salon is one of five stores in a small shopping area in Deer Park, Long Island. A series of parking spots face the storefronts, just beyond the sidewalk.

4 dead after minivan crashes into nail salon on Long Island, New York: Authorities

The driver was “partially conscious” following the crash and was apart of the nine transported to a hospital, he said.

IDs Released Of 4 Killed, Including Off-Duty NYPD Cop, 9 Injured In Alleged DWI Crash At Store

Three women and a man were pronounced dead at the scene by a physician assistant from the Office of the Suffolk County Medical Examiner. 

Salon Tragedy: Video Shows Alleged Drunk Driver Crash Into NY Business, Killing Cop, 3 Others

On Sunday, June 30, Hawaii Nail & Spa posted surveillance video of the crash on its Instagram page. The footage shows the SUV speeding past several parked cars before slamming into the building.

Wake to be held for officer killed in Deer Park nail salon crash, allegedly caused by drunk driver

Family, friends, and the community will pay their respects to NYPD Officer Emilia Rennhack this weekend on Long Island.

Suspected drunk driver in deadly Deer Park nail salon crash due in court

Prosecutors say Steven Schwally was the driver seen on surveillance video, whose car sped and flew into a nail salon in Deer Park.

A devastating incident unfolded in Deer Park on Long Island, New York, when a 2020 Chevy Traverse driven by 64-year-old Steven Schwally crashed into Hawaii Nail & Spa just after 4:30 pm on a Friday afternoon. Eyewitnesses described a harrowing scene as Schwally allegedly sped through a Kohl's parking lot on Commack Road before abruptly crossing Grand Boulevard and smashing into the nail salon's front entrance. Danielle Tanis, who witnessed the chaos, vividly recalled the piercing sounds of screams and shattering glass amid the collision, which tragically claimed the lives of four individuals and left several others hospitalized.

The aftermath of this catastrophic Long Island fatal crash has triggered both health and legal ramifications. Survivors and families affected by the accident may face arduous journeys through New York's injury law and insurance claim processes to seek justice and compensation for their losses. The tight-knit community of Deer Park now grapples with profound grief and shock, as local authorities delve into the intricate details of the incident to determine accountability and prevent future tragedies in this quiet corner of Suffolk County.

Nestled within the serene landscapes of Deer Park, Hawaii Nail & Spa, a tranquil retreat for many, has now become a poignant symbol of resilience and recovery. The incident serves as a stark reminder of the unpredictable nature of accidents and underscores the critical importance of stringent safety protocols and legal safeguards in safeguarding public health and welfare across Long Island's vibrant communities.

Type: Car Accident
People Involved: 
Steven Schwally
Emilia Rennhack
Jiancai Chen
Yan Xu
Meizi Zhang
Roadway: 
Grand Boulevard