Minor injuries in State Street crash

A Monday morning traffic crash involving a tractor-trailer and a small passenger car resulted in minor injuries, according to a news release from the Chester Police Department.

At approximately 9:48 a.m., Chester Police and MedStar Ambulance were called to the scene of an accident in the 1900 block of State Street involving a 2003 Ellis Trucking Inc. Freightliner, driven by 46-year-old Eric J. Arnold of Thebes, and a 2014 Ford Focus, driven by 53-year-old Donald K. Thomas of Fairview Heights.

According to police, Thomas was stopped in traffic in the westbound lane to make a left turn, when Thomas's vehicle was struck from behind by Freightliner.

A third vehicle, a 2015 Chevrolet Aveo driven by 32-year-old Charles T. Phillips of Jackson (Mo.), was struck as it passed westbound during the collision.

Phillips' vehicle sustained only minor damage. Thomas was transported to Chester Memorial and treated for minor injuries.

Arnold was cited for failure to reduce speed to avoid an accident. The Freightliner was held for an inspection, later conducted by the Illinois State Police.