News Summary
Greenville, S.C. experienced significant traffic disruptions yesterday afternoon on I-85 following a bomb threat linked to a tractor-trailer and a subsequent crash. The situation escalated quickly, leading to a multi-agency response and highway closures for over four hours. As drivers faced long delays, authorities ensured safety by investigating suspicious packages. Governor Henry McMaster also addressed the situation on social media. By evening, lanes gradually reopened as no explosive devices were found, allowing frustrated drivers to resume their journeys.
Bomb Threat and Crash Cause Major Traffic Disruptions on I-85 in Greenville, S.C.
Greenville, S.C. faced quite a scene yesterday afternoon as traffic came to a screeching halt on I-85. Picture this: a routine traffic stop suddenly escalated into a situation that tied up six lanes and left frustrated drivers in a standstill for hours. It all kicked off around 3:30 p.m. when law enforcement discovered a suspicious package linked to a tractor-trailer.
A Crash Near Mile Marker 52
Traffic woes escalated further when a crash occurred between 4:40 p.m. and 5:10 p.m. at mile marker 52, causing the two left northbound lanes to close. After the crash was cleared, those lanes reopened, but many drivers were still stuck in heavy traffic that had formed in response to the earlier incident.
Investigation Takes Over
This wasn’t just any old package situation. Authorities quickly called in SWAT and Bomb Team members to assist the South Carolina State Transport Police. As panic set in, the South Carolina Law Enforcement Division (SLED) bomb squad and the FBI joined the investigation, digging deeper to ensure safety.
For over four hours, traffic was backed up significantly near Exit 44, resulting in a frustrating ordeal for those trying to head home after a long day. What was initially thought to be a hazardous materials spill turned out to be an automated error. The confusion added to the lengthy delays, and the intense investigation left everyone on the highway wondering what was going on.
Governor Weighs In
Even Governor Henry McMaster took to social media to keep everyone in the know, confirming that a bomb threat had been issued by the South Carolina Transport Police. As traffic built up, tension started to rise, with many left stranded for what felt like an eternity.
Clear-The-Lanes, Please!
Drivers looking to make their way home had to sit tight while all six lanes remained closed. It was chaos for commuters in Greenville, who were faced with the added stress of the unknown situation unfolding right in front of them.
By Nightfall, Some Relief
Finally, as evening approached around 7:36 p.m., traffic began moving again along the southbound lanes of I-85. Many drivers likely breathed a sigh of relief, thankful to finally be on the road again, even if it was hours later than planned. Fortunately, authorities confirmed that no explosive devices were found inside the tractor-trailer, allowing everyone to feel a bit safer.
As for the driver of the tractor-trailer, an Illinois man has been arrested and is currently in custody following this bizarre series of events.
A Final Note
This incident in Greenville serves as a reminder that sometimes, even a simple traffic stop can spiral into something far more complex. While yesterday’s delays may have tested the patience of many, the quick response from law enforcement certainly added a layer of safety for everyone on the road.
Stay safe out there, folks, and keep an eye on that traffic. You never know when you might find yourself caught up in a situation like this!
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Additional Resources
- WSAZ: Bomb Threat Shuts Down Lanes on I-85
- Google Search: bomb threat I-85 Greenville
- Fox Carolina: All Lanes Blocked on I-85
- Google News: I-85 traffic incident
- Fox Carolina: Vehicle Fire & Crash Close Lanes on I-85
- Wikipedia: Traffic Collision
- Greenville Online: Parts of I-85 Shut Down
- Google Scholar: traffic disruptions I-85
Author: STAFF HERE GREENVILLE
The HERE Greenville Staff Writers are a collaborative team of journalists, editors, and local contributors passionate about delivering accurate, timely information to the Greenville community. As part of the HEREcity.com Network, which powers over 100 U.S. city sites including HEREcolumbia.com, our staff draws on collective experience in South Carolina journalism to cover everything from business sales and real estate developments to dining deals and community initiatives. Our Expertise and Background Local Roots in Greenville Our team includes lifelong Greenville residents and SC natives with deep knowledge of the area’s history, economy, and culture. We’ve covered key events like the recent sales in the Heritage Historic District 17 , Greenville’s textile and railroad heritage 2 , and growth in local education sectors (e.g., Greenville Technical College programs) 27 . Collective Experience With over 50 combined years in journalism, our staff has backgrounds in print, digital media, and community reporting. We prioritize fact-based stories, drawing from sources like the Greenville Chamber of Commerce, city government records, and on-the-ground interviews. Commitment to Quality Every article is a group effort, involving research, editing, and verification to ensure reliability. We adhere to journalistic standards, citing credible sources and updating content as new details emerge.
