Minor collision involving Belleville school bus ties up Illinois 159 traffic

No students were injured in a minor collision involving a Belleville East High School bus on Illinois 159 at Huntwood Road in Swansea Thursday afternoon.

Traffic was reduced to one lane on Illinois 159 while police investigated the collision, backing up traffic for blocks in both directions.

Belleville Township High School District 201 Superintendent Marshaun Warren said the bus was involved in a “fender bender” with another vehicle at 12:45 p.m.

“The students were not injured and the bus finished its route,” she said.

The bus, which was not full, was taking Belleville East students home from school at the time.

Police, fire and Emergency Medical Services responded to the scene, which took about an hour to clear.

A representative of the Swansea Police Department could not be reached for comment.

The St. Clair County Emergency Management Agency advised motorists to avoid the area while police investigated. All lanes were reopened once the bus drove away from the scene to complete its route.

This story was originally published December 18, 2025 at 4:12 PM.