COLES COUNTY, Ill. (WCIA) — An 81-year-old man was killed on Tuesday in a three-vehicle crash in rural Coles County.
The crash happened on U.S. Route 45 at approximately County Road 1480 North. Officials said Gary Phillips of Atwood was driving a pickup truck north on Route 45 and tried to pass a tractor pulling grain wagons. As Phillips attempted to pass, he saw a car driving southbound and tried to pull back into his lane. In doing so, he struck the tire of the tractor.
Phillips’ truck overturned after hitting the tractor and was then hit by the southbound car. Phillips was transported to a local hospital, where he was later pronounced dead. There is no word on any injuries to the tractor and southbound car drivers.
This accident is under investigation by the Coles County Sheriff’s Office.
