McCOMB – A Monticello woman and a Michiganwoman died following a head-on collision on Mississippi 44 east ofMcComb Saturday morning, Mississippi Highway Patrol authoritiessaid.

    Joyce G. Robbins, 73, of 268 Divide Road, Monticello, waspronounced dead at the scene by Pike County Coroner Percy Pittman,said MHP Staff Sgt. Rusty Boyd. Tracy J. Murray, 45, of Manton,Mich., died later at the University of Mississippi Medical Centerin Jackson.

    The accident happened around 9 a.m. on Mississippi 44 east ofMcComb near Van Norman Curve Road in Pike County, Boyd said.

    Boyd said it appeared that Robbins’ eastbound 2006 Toyota Avaloncrossed the center line into the westbound lane, where it collidedhead-on with a westbound 2008 Jeep Liberty driven by Murray. Thecause of the accident is still under investigation.

    “Both drivers were wearing occupant restraints and had to beextracted from the vehicles,” Boyd said.

    Robbins was pronounced dead at the scene while Murray wastransported to Southwest Mississippi Regional Medical Center andthen to on UMC in Jackson.

    Murray’s 21-month-old granddaughter, a passenger in her vehicle,sustained severe injuries, Boyd said. She was also transported toSouthwest and then on to UMC.

    Information on funeral arrangements for Robbins and Murray wasunavailable.