Mary A. Ruark, 63, seriously injured, airlifted to hospital, 8 others injured, transported to hospitals, after a SUV and passenger van, driven by Angel L. Jimenez, 28, collide at an intersection in Milton.

Delaware State Police are investigating an early morning two-car crash that sent nine to area hospitals.

According to police, 63-year-old Mary A. Ruark of Milton was operating her 2008 Ford Escape south on Round Pole Bridge Road approaching the intersection with Cave Neck Road at about 6:41 a.m., while 28-year-old Angel L. Jimenez of Milton was operating a 15-passenger Sposato Landscaping Company van with 10 passengers east on Cave Neck Road.

Ruark failed to stop at the posted stop sign and proceeded to enter into the intersection, police said. The van was unable to avoid the collision and struck the SUV on the passenger’s side.

Police said Ruark, who was properly restrained, was removed from the vehicle by mechanical means and then airlifted by Delaware State Police Aviation to Christiana Medical Center where she is currently admitted with non-life-threatening injuries.

Police said Jimenez, who was properly restrained, was uninjured and did not require any on-scene medical attention. Five passengers in the van were transported to Beebe Healthcare with non-life-threatening injuries and three others were taken to Milford Memorial Hospital, also with non-life-threatening injuries. Two other passengers did not require any medical attention.

Troopers are continuing their investigation into the incident. The intersection at Round Pole Bridge Road and Cave Neck Road was closed for about two hours as the crash was investigated and cleared.