WBRZ - Baton Rouge

ROBERT, La. - A 74-year-old Hammond man died and three others were injured in a crash on I-12 in Tangipahoa Parish Friday night around midnight, according to Louisiana State Police Tpr. Nick Manale.

Manale says 55-year-old Sandra Thomas of Hammond was driving a 2003 Jeep Grand Cherokee traveling west on I-12 when the vehicle drifted off the road, rotated clockwise and struck a tree.

The vehicle then struck a second tree with its rear end, partially ejecting the unrestrained right rear passenger, 74-year-old Henry Conley.

Thomas and front seat passenger Bernard Melton, 67, of Hammond were wearing seatbelts and received minor injuries. The left rear passenger, 60-year-old Linda Willis of Hammond, was also wearing a seatbelt and received moderate injuries in the crash, according to Manale.

Troopers are continuing their investigation but believe impairment and speed were not a factor in the crash.