Two women are dead following a head-on crash on Route 12 in the town of Chenango.

Authorities say the head-on collision occurred around 1 p.m. Monday.

According to state police, 78-year-old Laura Palmatier was driving a 2011 Toyota Camry south on Route 12. Palmatier tried to pass another vehicle in a passing zone and veered into the northbound lane.

Troopers say the Toyota struck a 1996 Buick Roadmaster head-on.

Police say the driver of the Buick, 81-year-old Dolores Hankins, was pronounced dead at the scene.

Investigators say Palmatier was taken to Wilson Medical Center in Johnson City. She died at the hospital Monday evening.

A section of Route 12 near the crash scene was closed for a few hours Monday afternoon for the police investigation.

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