(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)

A reminder for Atlantic residents: Atlantic Police in coordination with the Atlantic Fire Department, Cass County Sheriff’s Office, Cass County Emergency Management Agency, Atlantic Medivac, and the Iowa State Patrol, will be conducting an “Active Intruder” drill today at the Atlantic High School. Officials stress that “There are currently no known threats of violence to any schools or facilities within the area. This is strictly A DRILL.

The drill will begin shortly after 10-a.m., and will include and “ALERT” from the principal’s office, notifying everyone in the building of the “Danger Zone.” Those area affected in the “Danger Zone,” will be practicing “Lockdown/Barricade,” and discussing alternate exits from the classroom.

The principal will continue to “Inform” everyone of any changes to the “Danger Zone.” “Counter,” which was taught in previous lessons, will not be practiced in the first drill. Classrooms not in the “Danger Zone,” will practice the preferred response, “Evacuation.”

To ensure participant safety, certain intersections and roads surrounding the Atlantic High School, specifically the area of E. 14th Street, will be temporarily blocked-off and inaccessible. The closures include: Eastbound traffic on 14th Street from Olive Street; 14th and Roosevelt Streets; 14th and Lincoln Streets; 14th and Mulberry; 14th and Cherry; 14th and Plum, and westbound traffic on 14th Street from Redwood Drive.

The Atlantic Fire Department was called the scene of a fiery accident on Interstate 80 eastbound this morning, just east of the Highway 71 exit near the Nishna River Bridge. The road is 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 is also in the process of being re-routed.

(Photo from Cass County Emergency Management Coordinator Mike Kennon)

Two semi’s were involved, with one semi on its side. One semi is in the median. Both cabs were said to be on fire. Reports from the scene indicate one of the semi’s was partially in the ditch or on the shoulder when it was struck by the second semi. The call went out just after 5:30-a.m. One driver is out, the other driver was still inside his cab at last report.

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

A Red Oak man was arrested Thursday night, on a valid Montgomery County warrant for Possession of Drug Paraphernalia. 34-year old Jesse Donald Trost was taken into custody in the 400 block of N. Highland Avenue, at around 7:30-p.m. He was being held in the Montgomery County Jail on a $300 cash bond.