ROBERT--An overnight crash on Interstate 12 in Tangipahoa Parish on Saturday killed a 74-year-old Hammond resident and resulted in minor to moderate injuries to three additional passengers.

The single vehicle crash took place shortly after midnight in the westbound lanes of I-12 approximately half a mile west of the LA 445/Robert exit.

The crash occurred as a 2003 Jeep Grand Cherokee, driven by 55-year-old Sandra Thomas of Hammond, was traveling west on Interstate 12.

Troopers said the Jeep drifted off the right side of the roadway and began rotating in a clockwise direction before impacting a large tree with its left front side.

After impact, the vehicle continued into the tree line where it struck a second tree with its rear end, partially ejecting the unrestrained right rear passenger.

That passenger, Henry Conley 74, of Hammond, was not wearing a seat belt and was killed.

Thomas and front seat passenger Bernard Melton, 67, of Hammond were wearing seat belts at the time of the crash and received minor injuries. Left rear passenger in the Grand Cherokee, Linda Willis, 60, of Hammond, was also properly restrained and sustained moderate injuries in the crash.

Neither impairment nor speed is suspected to be a factor in the crash. Troopers are continuing their investigation.