Thirteen people were hospitalized following a two-vehicle crash in Stratford, police say.

Officials tell News 12 an SUV and a minivan traveling in opposite directions collided after one of the vehicles crossed the center line on River Road around 12:45 p.m. Saturday.

Investigators say some of the victims were children.

Lt. Melissa Niemiec, of the Stratford Police Department, says the first responders spent about a half hour extricating patients from a vehicle perched on a guardrail.

They say Shelton first responders assisted Stratford police in managing the traffic and transporting patients to the hospital.

Traffic was diverted away from River Road near Main Street for several hours following the crash.

Police say at least two of the victims are in serious condition.

Police tell News 12 the rescue effort went smoothly, but the intense heat made an extra challenge for first responders. They say one firefighter had to be treated for heat exhaustion.