The accident, reported at 9:21 p.m. on Lakeville Highway, involving a mini Cooper and a white van, occurred after one of the vehicles ran the signal and struck the second vehicle, according to the California Highway Patrol.

"Initial reports at the scene were that a vehicle traveling at high speed failed to stop at the red light," CHP Officer Ralph Caggiano said. Speeds were reported in excess of 90 mph before the crash, according to the CHP Web site.

The critically injured, believed to be the driver of the vehicle that ran the light, was taken by medical helicopter to Memorial Hospital in Santa Rosa, the CHP said.

Highway 37 eastbound between Lakeville Highway and Highway 121 and Lakeville Highway were closed and a traffic alert issued for the area. Access to Highway 37 from Highway 101 and Atherton Avenue also was closed as authorities investigated the crash.

Contact Jennifer Upshaw Swartz via e-mail at jupshaw@marinij.com