Fatal accident on Rockaway Turnpike

A Far Rockaway man was killed in a fatal accident that occurred early Saturday morning on Rockaway Turnpike in front of the Five Towns Motor Inn in North Lawrence.

According to detectives, Gehlert Barrios, 20, of Beach 31st, Far Rockaway, was driving a 2004 Nissan southbound on Rockaway Turnpike and rear ended a 2009 Ford. The 30 year-old rear passenger of the Nissan, Anthony Morales of Far Rockaway, sustained multiple trauma and was transported to Jamaica Hospital where he was pronounced dead by hospital staff at 9:35 a.m. The 21 year-old front passenger of the Nissan sustained neck and back injuries and was transported to St Johns Hospital for treatment. The 50 year-old male driver of the Ford van was transported to St Johns Hospital with neck and back injuries. Both vehicles were impounded for brake and safety checks.

Barrios is charged with driving while intoxicated, reckless driving and second-degree charges of manslaughter, vehicular manslaughter, assault and reckless endangerment. He was arraigned at First District Court in Hempstead on Jan. 31.