A bomb threat on I-85 in Greenville County, South Carolina, caused a major road closure on Thursday afternoon, disrupting traffic during rush hour.
The incident began when a driver of an 18-wheeler suddenly stopped on the highway and claimed to have a bomb. The Greenville County Sheriff’s Office confirmed that they were on the scene, working with the South Carolina State Transport Police. The authorities responded to the threat just after 3:30 p.m. near mile marker 44 on northbound I-85. A SWAT team and bomb disposal unit were also called in to investigate the situation.
The authorities quickly apprehended the suspect, but the road remained blocked for several hours as law enforcement worked to ensure the area was safe. Images from highway cameras showed heavy traffic and police cordoning off the area, creating a significant backup.
This bomb scare is part of a growing trend in the United States. According to the CIA, bomb threats have increased over the past few years, with a 35% rise from 2021 to 2022 and a further 25% increase from 2022 to 2023. These threats are often made with no actual explosive device present. Instead, the goal is to cause disruption, panic, and confusion.
The CIA states that bomb threats can create anxiety and make organizations vulnerable to injuries, property damage, and disruptions. Common targets of such threats include schools, government buildings, businesses, hospitals, and religious institutions.
As authorities continue to investigate the Greenville County bomb scare, they emphasize the importance of taking all such threats seriously while working to minimize disruption and ensure public safety.
