(Update 7:25-a.m.: Right lane open westbound on I-80 but traffic is heavy and slow)

One person has been confirmed deceased as the result of a fiery accident involving two semi tractor-trailers this morning, on Interstate 80 eastbound in Cass County. A second person was transported by Medivac Ambulance to the Cass County Memorial Hospital, in Atlantic. No names have been released. The Atlantic Fire Department was called the scene of the crash just east of the Highway 71 exit near the Nishna River Bridge, at around 5:30-a.m.

The road was completely blocked at the Nishna River bridge and traffic is being re-routed. Eastbound traffic is being directed south at Highway 71 to Highway 83 and then east to Anita. Westbound traffic was down to the right lane only as of 7:25-a.m. but traffic is extremely backed-up.

Initial reports from authorities at the scene indicated one of the semi’s was either partially in the ditch or on the shoulder when it was struck by the second semi. One driver got out, the other driver was still inside his cab.

No other details are currently available. Check back for updates.

(Photo from Cass County EMA Director Mike Kennon)