(KNZA)--A Valley Falls woman was injured early Thursday morning after her car struck an airborne deer that has been hit by another vehicle on a Jefferson County highway.

The Kansas Highway Patrol says the crash occurred on K-4 Highway about one mile south of Meriden around 7:20.

The Patrol reports a SUV driven by 34-year-old Abel Curiel, of Omaha, Nebraska was northbound when he struck a deer that had entered the roadway.

Upon impact, the deer " vaulted" into the air and was struck by a southbound car driven by 26-year-old Michelle Tyrell before it landed on the ground.

Tyrell was transported by ambulance to a Topeka hospital with suspected minor injuries.

Curiel was not hurt.

The Patrol says both drivers were buckled up when the crash occurred.