Trucker’s remark closes down I-29 in Woodbury County

A semi driver picked the wrong day to make a joke on this second anniversary of the 9-11 terrorist attacks. A portion of Interstate 29 was closed this afternoon after the truck driver told workers at a weigh station in Woodbury County that he had a bomb on his truck. The driver quickly admitted it was a joke, but officials took the threat seriously and the Woodbury County Sheriff’s Department set up a command post and the north and south bound lanes of the I-29 were closed. Lieutenant Rob Hansen of the Iowa State Patrol says the interstate is still from the I-29 exit 135 north of Salix to the I-29 exit 127 near Sloan. He says they don’t believe it is a serious situation, but they’re waiting for a HAZMAT crew from the Fire Marshal’s office to check out the truck. Hansen says the driver is being processed.He says the driver has recanted his statements and they’ll move forward with potential criminal charges based on the actions the officers were forced to take. Hansen could not identify the driver.Hansen did not know how long I-29 would be closed. Traffic is being routed around the area.