A tragic crash involving two vehicles and road machinery claimed the lives of two people Wednesday evening on Highway 45, the Mississippi Highway Patrol (MHP) confirmed.

The collision occurred about an hour after sunset on Dec. 11, according to MHP Senior Staff Sgt. Derrick Beckom.

Jimmie James, 45, and his passenger, Ladarvies Stephens, 29, both of Meridian, died at the scene. The driver of the second vehicle sustained minor injuries.

The operator of the road equipment was seriously injured and was airlifted to a hospital in Tupelo for treatment.

The cause of the crash remains under investigation.