FOUR people are dead and nine have been hospitalized after a car drove through the front of a building in Long Island.
The tragedy unfolded on Friday around 4:42 pm at Hawaii Nail & Spa in Deer Park — about 43 miles from New York City.
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A car accident has left four dead as helicopters transported nine injured people to the hospitalCredit: WCBS
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Fire responders rushed to the scene and evacuated everyone from the buildingCredit: WABC
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The tragedy occurred at Hawaii Nail & Spa in Suffolk County, New YorkCredit: Facebook/Hawaii nail spa
Residents in the area heard swarms of sirens and helicopters racing to the scene.
Ten departments and multiple ambulances arrived to help, according to News 12 Long Island.
The minivan drove through the front of the nail salon and almost out the back, according to NBC affiliate WNBC.
The car is still stuck in the back of the building, according to CBS News.
Authorities said everyone is out of the nail salon and no one is trapped, according to CBS News.
Everyone who died were inside the nail salon, authorities said, per ABC affiliate WABC.
Northwell Health confirmed that three victims were sent to South Shore University Hospital, per News 12 Long Island.
The Deer Park Volunteer Fire Department is calling it a “major accident,” according to CBS News.
“It’s horrible, it’s going to be tough for the community…tough for the volunteer fire department, but we’re going to get through it…just a horrible thing to see especially at this time of the year with all the good things happening, graduations and what not,” said Chief Dominic Albanese, Deer Park Fire Department Assistant Chief, according to WABC.
The driver reportedly suffered a medical emergency, but it has not been confirmed.
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A mini van plowed through the front of the building and almost out the backCredit: Google Maps
They were taken to the hospital and are partially conscious, according to WABC.
The section of Grand Boulevard where the salon is located is a high-traffic area due to the Tanger Outlets across the street.
People who were shopping in other stores in the center are reportedly stuck in the parking lot.
It is also a busy time of year as it is the weekend before a holiday and it was a Friday afternoon.
My mom saw the car and said it was going super fast like a bullet.
Facebook Poster
The crash is under investigation.
The U.S. Sun has contacted the Suffolk County Police Department and Suffolk County Fire Officials for an update.
‘FAST LIKE A BULLET’
Community members who witnessed the incident and aftermath were left devastated by the crash.
“I’ve been going to them for over 10 years. Praying for everyone,” one resident shared in the Deer Park community group on Facebook.
“My wife just called from the parking lot. She was about to get her nails done when a car drove through the nail salon. They are carrying people out as we speak,” another person wrote.
“My mom saw the car and said it was going super fast like a bullet,” another resident shared.
Another witness at the scene described the moment he heard the crash.
“Sounded like glass shattering,” Eric Perez told Fox News.
“Like nothing I’ve heard before.”
“I disregarded it at first. It’s Friday, and we live in a crazy world and now the police are rolling out tape.”
The nail salon and spa also offers waxes and massages.
Customers can choose between multiple spa options including the cucumber spa, blueberry spa, and milk & honey spa.
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Authorities said everyone is out of the nail salon, but shoppers are reportedly trapped in the parking lot of the shopping centerCredit: WABC
