1 dead, 6 injured in multi-vehicle accident on Staten Island

ROSSVILLE, Staten Island (WABC) -- Two drivers have been arrested and charged after a multi-vehicle accident early Sunday morning on Staten Island that killed one person and injured six others.

The crash happened at about 2:15 a.m. on the northbound West Shore Expressway near the Arden Avenue exit in the Rossville section.

The NYPD says that a 2010 Dodge Charger rear ended a 2005 Honda SUV which resulted in the Honda pushing into a 2013 Ford van.

The sedan struck an overhead light on the right shoulder and overturned on a grassy embankment.

A front seat passenger in the Dodge was killed. Police have identified him as 39-year-old Dennis White of Brooklyn.

The driver and two rear-seat passengers suffered non-life threatening injuries.

The Honda SUV redirected into the center median and struck a guardrail. The driver and two passengers sustained non-life threatening injuries.

The driver of the Ford van maintained control coming to a stop and was uninjured.

The two injured drivers and four passengers were removed to Richmond University Medical Center in stable condition.

Police are trying to determine whether racing played a role in the accident.

The road was closed for most of the morning but reopened at about 7 a.m.

The driver of the Dodge, 38-year-old Jermaine Simmons of Brooklyn, was arrested and charged with Oper MV BAC .08 of 1% and Facilitate Aggravated Unlicensed Operation of Vehicle.

The driver of the Honda, 49-year-old Hernan Zhaqui of Queens, was arrested and charged with DWI.