Eastbound Interstate 4 in Seminole County ground to a halt yesterday afternoon after troopers reported a possible explosive threat inside a commercial truck. The shutdown hit the mainline and several ramps south of Lake Monroe between mile markers 101 and 102, backing up traffic toward Volusia County. At least one person was detained while bomb-squad technicians and Seminole County deputies worked the scene.
According to FOX 35 Orlando, Lt. Tara Crescenzi, a spokesperson for the Florida Highway Patrol, said FHP "was advised that there may be an explosive on the truck" and requested help from the Seminole County Sheriff's Office to clear the vehicle. FOX 35 cameras also captured video of a trooper detaining someone on I-4 as specialists arrived.
Where The Closure Is
FDOT's live traffic map at FL511 showed eastbound I-4 blocked between mile markers 101 and 102 south of Lake Monroe. As reported by ClickOrlando, DOT cameras showed law enforcement stopping traffic near the County Road 46A exit, close to the former Seminole Towne Center.
Why Authorities Treated It As A Threat
Last week, troopers handled a similar tip as the real deal when a pickup hauling missile-like props on I-4 near Plant City triggered a bomb-squad response; the devices turned out to be inert, WESH reported. That recent episode helps explain why FHP and partner agencies bring in bomb-tech teams whenever there is any suggestion of explosives on a heavily traveled interstate.
What Drivers Should Do
Motorists heading east on I-4 should steer clear of the stretch around mile markers 101 to 102 and follow posted detours, checking the FDOT map at FL511 for real-time lane and ramp status. The Florida Highway Patrol said the investigation is ongoing and did not immediately release further details, according to FOX 35 Orlando.
