A two-vehicle accident in Walthall County Sunday afternoon claimed the lives of a Ruth mother and child.

Troopers responded to a the fatal collision on Mississippi Highway 27, 1.5 miles north of U.S. Highway 98 in Walthall County Sunday at 2:30 p.m., said SFC. B.R. “Rusty” Boyd of Public Affairs Officer Troop M.

A 2003 Chevrolet Impala, driven by Gena C. Smith, 26, of 2850 Pleasant Grove Rd. Ruth, was southbound on Mississippi Highway 27, and a 2006 Chevrolet pickup, driven by Ross M. Bailey, 17, of 4105 Shell Oil Rd. Ruth, was northbound on MS27.

The Impala driven by Smith crossed into the northbound lane of traffic and collided head-on with the pickup driven by Bailey.

Smith was not wearing an occupant restraint at the time of the collision. She had to be extricated with the Jaws of Life and was pronounced dead at the scene by the Walthall County coroner.

Smith’s 12-month-old daughter, who was riding in a child restraint device in the Impala at the time of the collision, was transported to Walthall General Hospital by first responders. She also died from her injuries.

Bailey was transported by private vehicle to Walthall General Hospital with minor injuries. He was not wearing an occupant restraint at the time of the collision.

The collision is still under investigation by the MHP.