Traffic Chaos in Greenville: Bomb Threat Causes Major I-85 Shutdown

News Summary

In Greenville, South Carolina, a bomb threat involving a suspicious package in a tractor-trailer led to a massive traffic shutdown on Interstate 85. The incident began during a routine traffic stop when the driver claimed there was an explosive device inside the vehicle. Police and bomb squad teams responded promptly, resulting in a shutdown that lasted over four hours. Fortunately, upon investigation, no explosives were found, and the highway reopened later in the evening. One individual was arrested, and authorities continue to investigate the motivations behind the threat.

Traffic Chaos in Greenville: Bomb Threat Causes Major I-85 Shutdown

One Arrested After Suspicious Package Incident

Just when you think your commute can’t get any crazier, Greenville, South Carolina, had a wild afternoon on Interstate 85. The whole scene unfolded after a bomb threat was reported involving a suspicious package linked to a tractor-trailer, leading to a traffic nightmare that lasted more than four hours. Now that’s a serious headache for anyone trying to get home!

What Went Down

The drama began just after 3:30 p.m. when traffic officers pulled over a tractor-trailer near Exit 44 at White Horse Road because it was missing its license plate. Sounds pretty routine, right? But things took a sudden turn when the driver made a shocking claim—he said there was an explosive device inside the vehicle. That’s when the situation escalated quickly, sending a wave of urgency through the local authorities.

In no time at all, a team of SWAT and bomb squad members was dispatched to the scene, working alongside the South Carolina State Transport Police. Meanwhile, traffic on I-85 slowed to a crawl, with many drivers left to wonder what on earth was happening. If you were stuck on that highway, it certainly felt like an eternity while the investigation was underway.

Governor’s Quick Response

Adding to the unfolding drama, South Carolina Governor Henry McMaster made sure to keep everyone in the loop with updates about the precautionary road closure. While folks anticipated the worst, frustration was mounting as the automated reporting system mistakenly hinted at a hazardous materials spill—nothing like a little misinformation to spice things up!

Detours and Delays

As authorities attempted to secure the area, traffic was diverted onto detours. If you happened to be on that stretch of I-85, you probably experienced some massive delays. It was a real mess on the roads as drivers sought alternative routes to their destinations. Talk about a frustrating Friday afternoon in Greenville!

Investigation Begins

As time ticked away, the State Law Enforcement Division (SLED) bomb squad and the FBI rolled in to assist with the investigation. After a thorough search lasting several hours, the good news finally arrived: no explosive devices were found. By around 7:40 p.m., all lanes of I-85 were reopened, and the area began to clear up. It’s a sigh of relief for commuters who were eager to make their way home, even if it took a bit longer than usual.

The Aftermath

As the dust settled, authorities had one individual in custody—a driver from Illinois, whose identity remains under wraps for now. We can only imagine the questions swirling around—what prompted the driver’s alarming statements, and what charges will come next? While these details are still unfolding, it’s clear that this incident has brought national security into focus, especially following the recent wave of holiday-related violence in various areas.

Wrapping It Up

So, there you have it. An afternoon that started with a simple traffic stop turned into a full-blown bomb threat debacle, reminding us all of the unpredictability of life on the road. While everyone involved can breathe a sigh of relief, the situation highlights just how crucial safety measures are in our communities. For all the drivers who found themselves on that stretch of I-85, here’s hoping your next journey is much smoother and less eventful.

Stay tuned for updates, because in the coming days, we expect more information about potential charges against the driver and the aftermath of this intense situation.

Deeper Dive: News & Info About This Topic

• WSAZ: Bomb threat shuts down lanes on I-85 in Greenville, SC
• Fox Carolina: I-85 traffic chaos due to crashes
• Greenville Online: Parts of I-85 shut down due to incident
• Wikipedia: Traffic control
• Fox 5 Atlanta: I-85 closed in both directions
• Google Search: I-85 traffic incident