Four people were killed and nine injured when a speeding, intoxicated driver crashed his SUV into a nail salon in Deer Park, Long Island, on Friday afternoon, authorities said.

The driver, identified as 64-year-old Steven Schwally of Dix Hills, was reportedly speeding and under the influence when his 2020 Chevrolet Traverse plowed into the Hawaii Nail & Spa at around 4:32 p.m. Among the deceased were three women and one man, while nine others sustained injuries, some critical. Schwally, who suffered minor injuries, is expected to be arraigned on charges at a later date. The tragic incident has left the community reeling, with witnesses recalling the SUV swerving moments before the impact.

According to local law enforcement, the collision resulted in immediate fatalities, with four individuals pronounced dead at the scene. The identities of the victims have yet to be released, and it remains unclear whether they were employees or patrons of the nail salon. Additionally, nine people were injured in the crash and transported to nearby medical facilities for treatment.

Witnesses in the vicinity described a chaotic scene as the SUV swerved erratically before crashing through the front of the business establishment. Many of those inside the Hawaii Nail & Spa were trapped and required rescue by emergency responders. The severity of the situation necessitated swift action from local fire and rescue teams to extricate those pinned by debris.

First responders transported the most critically injured patient via helicopter to Stony Brook University Hospital, highlighting the urgent medical needs arising from the incident. Others were taken to local hospitals via ambulance to receive treatment for a range of injuries.

Steven Schwally, the driver of the SUV, was taken to a nearby hospital for minor injuries he sustained during the crash. Despite his medical condition, authorities have confirmed that he will face arraignment at a later date on charges related to driving while intoxicated and other potential related offenses. Schwally’s condition was stabilized, allowing the police to initiate the legal process.

Jasmin Darbouze, a regular customer at the Hawaii Nail & Spa, expressed her sorrow and disbelief over the incident. She mentioned how the salon had always been a welcoming place for many members of the community. 'It's heartbreaking to think that a place we often go to for a bit of relaxation could turn into a scene of such tragedy,' Darbouze lamented.

Virginia Garcia, the aunt of a 20-year-old customer who was injured in the crash, revealed that her niece is fortunate to be alive. 'She has some broken bones but considering what happened, she’s incredibly lucky,' Garcia shared, highlighting the perilous nature of the accident and the randomness of who was harmed.

The Deer Park community has been significantly affected by the incident. Local residents and business owners alike are grappling with the shock and loss brought about by the tragedy. Conversations about safety and the prevention of drunk driving have been reignited as the catastrophic effects of such choices become painfully evident.

In the aftermath of the incident, the Hawaii Nail & Spa remains closed as investigators thoroughly examine the scene. Efforts to understand the full circumstances leading up to the crash are underway, with authorities collecting evidence and taking witness statements to build a complete picture of what transpired.

As the community comes together to support the victims and their families, there will likely be calls for increased measures to prevent similar incidents in the future. The response from local authorities and community organizations will be closely watched as steps are taken to address the ramifications of this devastating event.