A devastating incident unfolded at the Hawaii Nail Salon and Spa in Deer Park, New York, when a 64-year-old man crashed his Chevy SUV into the establishment, resulting in the deaths of four individuals and injuries to nine others. The driver, identified as Steven Schwally of Dix Hills, was reported to have consumed 18 beers the morning before the crash, as revealed by prosecutors during his arraignment.
Upon police arrival, Schwally exhibited signs of intoxication, including bloodshot and glassy eyes, slurred speech, and a strong smell of alcohol on his breath. Witnesses described hearing a violent explosion, with the aftermath likened to a bomb blast, leaving bodies scattered and trapped under the vehicle.
The victims of this tragic incident included the business owner, Jiancai Chen, aged 37, and two employees, Yan Xu, 41, and Meizi Zhang, 50. Additionally, Emilia Rennhack, a 30-year-old NYPD officer, lost her life while getting her nails done for a colleague's wedding. The community mourns the loss of these individuals, with Rennhack's husband, a fellow NYPD detective, visibly distraught during Schwally's arraignment.
Authorities reported that the vehicle had gone airborne before crashing into the salon, causing extensive damage and chaos. The scene was described as harrowing, with multiple emergency vehicles responding to the tragedy and rushing victims to nearby hospitals for treatment.
Schwally, who pleaded not guilty to first-offense driving while intoxicated, was held on a substantial bail amount as he awaits further legal proceedings. Despite residing in Dix Hills, his attorney disclosed that Schwally was unemployed and had been residing in a hotel prior to the incident.
The community is left reeling from the impact of this senseless tragedy, and Schwally is expected to face additional charges as the investigation unfolds. The repercussions of this horrific event serve as a stark reminder of the dangers of driving under the influence and the devastating consequences it can have on innocent lives.
