ERIE, Mich. — Five people were injured, one critically, in a single-vehicle crash on I-75 late Sunday afternoon that closed the southbound lanes for several hours, the Monroe County Sheriff’s office reported.

The driver, Bertha Johnson, 67, of Dayton, was taken by air ambulance to Mercy St. Vincent Medical Center following the crash, reported at 5:48 p.m., and was listed there in critical condition Sunday night, deputies said.

Four passengers in the 2011 Mitsubishi were taken in ambulances to St. Vincent, where they were listed in serious condition Sunday night, according to the report. Deputies did not release identities for the four passengers.

The car was headed south approaching Exit 2 in the right lane when it went off the west side of the freeway, vaulted over a ditch, and landed in heavy underbrush. One passenger, in a rear seat, was ejected from the vehicle.

The crash remained under investigation last night, with excessive speed and alcohol use having been ruled out as factors.

First Published October 3, 2011, 12:02 a.m.