| id | cleanReleaseDate | troopName | title |
| 7999 | 2013-03-16 | Troop L | Overnight Crash Results in One Fatality and Several Injuries |
TROOP L NEWS RELEASE March 16, 2013 Overnight Crash Results in One Fatality and Several Injuries Robert, LA- An overnight crash on Interstate 12 in Tangipahoa Parish took the life of 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. Troopers’ investigation revealed that the crash occurred as a 2003 Jeep Grand Cherokee, driven by 55 year old Sandra Thomas of Hammond, LA, was traveling west on Interstate 12. As the Jeep continued westbound, it 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. Thomas and front seat passenger, 67 year old Bernard Melton of Hammond, LA, were wearing seat belts at the time of the crash and received minor injuries. Left rear passenger in the Grand Cherokee, 60 year old Linda Willis of Hammond, LA, was also properly restrained and sustained moderate injuries in the crash. The right rear passenger, 74 year old Henry Conley of Hammond, LA, was not wearing a seat belt at the time of the crash and sustained fatal injuries after being partially ejected from the vehicle. Neither impairment nor speed is suspected to be a factor in the crash. Troopers are continuing their investigation. The proper use of occupant protection systems including seatbelts and air bags can greatly decrease an occupant’s chance of death and may greatly reduce the extent of injury. Louisiana law requires every vehicle occupant, front seat and back seat, to be properly restrained day or night. Taking the time to buckle up every trip and every time is the single most effective thing you can do to protect yourself in a crash. Contact Information: TFC Nick Manale Louisiana State Police Public Affairs Unit Office: (985) 893-6250 Ext:628 Nicholas.Manale@dps.la.gov www.LSP.org www.facebook.com/LouisianaStatePolice | |||
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