(Updated 5-a.m. 7/29)

A bridge along Interstate 29 in Council Bluffs was closed for a little more than 5-hours Sunday while authorities conducted a damage assessment following a fiery semitrailer truck crash that killed one person.  According to Council Bluffs Police, a 2005 Volvo semi was traveling north at around 3:30-p.m., when for reasons unknown, it crashed through the guardrail separating I-29 northbound and I-29 southbound at Avenue G. The truck flew across Avenue G and hit an embankment between the bridges on the north side of Avenue G before becoming fully engulfed in flames.

Firefighters contained the blaze and fuel spill in about 10 minutes. Once the flames were extinguished, the body of the male driver was discovered. The man’s identity had not been verified as of early this (Monday) morning, but authorities say they believe they do know who he is. His name will be released pending confirmation through an autopsy slated for today, and notification of family.

While the crash remains under investigation, officials say speed, alcohol and medical reasons could be factors. Anyone who witnessed the crash is asked to call the Council Bluffs P-D’s Traffic Unit at 712-328-4948.

I-29 traffic was rerouted Sunday while Iowa Roads Department engineers evaluated the bridge, which was re-opened to traffic by around 8:30-p.m.