At least four people have died and nine others have been hospitalized after a vehicle crashed into a building in Long Island, New York on Friday afternoon, according to officials. The incident occurred at the Hawaii Nail & Spa on Grand Avenue in Deer Park, Suffolk County. Eyewitnesses reported seeing a minivan drive through the building, leaving a massive hole in its wake.
When first responders arrived at the scene, they found the driver of the vehicle partially conscious. The cause of the crash remains unknown, and it is unclear whether it was intentional or accidental. Authorities have not released the identities of the driver or the victims, and it is currently unknown if there were any children inside the building at the time of the incident.
Eric Perez, a witness, described the sound of the crash as “glass shattering.” Initially dismissing the noise, Perez soon realized the gravity of the situation when law enforcement vehicles flooded the area. The Suffolk County Fire Department was called to the scene, and they are now investigating the incident.
The vehicle’s impact caused severe damage to the interior of the nail salon, leading to several people becoming trapped as a result. Footage from the scene shows just how extensively the building was affected. At this time, there is no immediate danger to the public, but the investigation is ongoing.
As more information becomes available, officials will continue to provide updates on the incident.