A Sumas woman remained hospitalized Monday, Sept. 17, after her car crashed into another car on Highway 9 near Sumas when both drivers made similar moves to avoid a collision, according to Washington State Patrol.

Melissa Vander Waal, 22, of Sumas was driving south at about 7 a.m. when her 2000 Ford Focus swerved into the northbound lane. Coral Bernal, 25, of Bellingham, was headed north and saw the Ford move into her lane. Bernal turned her 1998 Toyota Corolla into the southbound lane to avoid the Ford, but Vander Waal turned back into her lane at the same time and the cars collided head-on, according to WSP.

Both women, who were wearing seat belts, were taken to St. Joseph hospital. Vander Waal was in satisfactory condition Monday; Bernal was released after being treated, according to hospital spokeswoman Amy Cloud.

Charges in the crash are pending completion of the investigation.

Reach DEBBIE TOWNSEND at debbie.townsend@bellinghamherald.com or call 715-2280.