A multi-vehicle collision just before 11 a.m. Monday resulted in two people being sent to the hospital.

Washington State Patrol reported that a line of cars had formed in the northbound lane of State Highway 20 as a result of utility work taking place in the San de Fuca area.

As the backup approached Libbey Road, a Ford Explorer, driven by Coupeville resident Michael Sousa, 30, crashed into the lineup and caused the first of three collisions.

The Explorer crashed into a Chevrolet Avalanche driven by 63-year-old Coupeville resident Raymond Vaughan.

In turn, Vaughan’s Avalanche was pushed into a Saturn minivan driven by Edwin Kandal, 40, who was traveling with his wife, Jessica, 46, according to State Patrol reports.

The couple’s minivan was pushed into a Suburu Impreza driven by Anacortes resident 67-year-old Jane Clark.

Vaughan told investigators he saw the Explorer coming in his rearview mirror and turned his vehicle’s wheels to steer out of the way.

The Explorer slammed into the Avalanche and pushed it onto an embankment; the vehicle slowly rolled over, said Trooper Kirk Francis with the Washington State Patrol.

He added that the Explorer also hit the minivan, which was pushed into the Impreza.

Jessica Kandal, the passenger in the minivan, and Vaughan, who was driving the Avalanche, were transported to Whidbey General Hospital.

They were treated in the emergency room.

Firefighters with North Whidbey Fire and Rescue and Central Whidbey Fire and Rescue responded to the accident because it occurred near the boundary of both fire districts.

Northbound traffic was eventually detoured at Sherman Road and onto Madrona Way.

Francis said Sousa was cited for speed too fast for conditions.