Four people, including off-duty NYPD officer Emilia Rennhack, were killed when an alleged drunk driver crashed into a Long Island nail salon, injuring nine others, authorities said.

The collision, involving driver Steven Schwally who admitted to consuming 18 beers before the incident, resulted in four fatalities and nine injuries at the Hawaii Nail & Spa salon. Schwally, with a history of drunk driving, was speeding through a parking lot when his SUV became airborne and crashed into the salon. The tragedy has prompted a community memorial for the victims, including Officer Rennhack, who was getting her nails done for a colleague's wedding.

Emilia Rennhack, an off-duty NYPD officer from the 102nd precinct, was among those tragically killed. She had been a member of the NYPD since 2018 and had recently married fellow officer Carl Rennhack in September. At the time of the crash, she was at the salon getting her nails done for a fellow officer's wedding.

The other victims were identified as Jiancai Chen, 37, Yan Xu, 41, and Meizi Zhang, 50. In addition to the fatalities, nine people were hospitalized, including a 12-year-old girl, reflecting the extensive impact of the crash on the community.

The driver, Steven Schwally, was arrested for driving while intoxicated. Authorities confirmed that Schwally, 64, had admitted to consuming 18 beers before the incident. According to Suffolk County Police, Schwally was speeding through the parking lot before his vehicle went airborne and crashed into the Hawaii Nail & Spa salon.

Schwally has a previous drunk driving conviction from 2013 when he struck a mailbox and fell asleep at the wheel. He has also had past encounters with Suffolk County police, including a 2001 citation for speaking on his phone while driving. Schwally was taken to Good Samaritan Hospital with non-life-threatening injuries following the crash.

At a recent court hearing, Schwally faced additional charges and was held on $1 million bail. The prosecutor detailed how Schwally's SUV went airborne before the impact, emphasizing the severity of the crash and the reckless nature of his actions.

The NYPD expressed condolences and mourned the loss of Officer Emilia Rennhack. In a statement, they urged thoughts and prayers for her family and colleagues during this difficult time. Emilia Rennhack was a graduate of International High School in Prospect Heights and had attended John Jay College of Criminal Justice.

The impact of the crash has led to an outpouring of grief and support from the community. A memorial formed at the Hawaii Nail & Spa site with flowers and candles to honor the victims. People have been gathering to pay their respects and support the grieving families.

Witnesses to the crash described the scene as harrowing. Eric Perez, who heard the crash, described it as the sound of glass shattering. The community is grappling with the shock and sorrow of this sudden and tragic event.

This devastating incident has brought attention to the dangers of drunk driving and the severe consequences it can have. Schwally's history of driving offenses has further fueled discussions about the need for stringent measures to prevent repeat offenders from endangering lives on the road.