PALMETTO -- Witnesses said a red-light runner was to blame Monday in an accident in which a motorist was killed, according to police.

William Field, 80, of Ellenton, died at the scene after a collision between a large semi tractor-trailer and a small Toyota truck, according to Scott Tyler, deputy chief for the Palmetto Police Department.

The driver of the semi tractor-trailer was Donald Thomas, 47, of Tampa, said Tyler.

The accident occurred at U.S. Hwy. 301/41 and Haben Boulevard about 8:20 a.m., Tyler said.

Witnesses reported that Thomas' truck ran the red light, and Field's truck was hit in the intersection, Tyler said.

Field was the post commander for American Legion Kirby Stewart Post 24 in Bradenton.