UPDATE: The Iowa DOT says both I-35 southbound lanes reopened for traffic by 7:30 pm.

WORTH COUNTY, Iowa – The Iowa Department of Transportation is reporting an auto accident on Interstate 35 between the Minnesota border and exit 214, just north of the exit to the Diamond Jo Casino.

Both southbound lanes were initially closed after the crash happened before 5 pm but the left lane of traffic was reopened around 6 pm.  A KIMT reporter says traffic was backed up for miles after the crash and authorities closed the southbound on ramps to I-35 at Albert Lea to stop drivers from getting on the highway.  The accident involved a at least one semi.  Mercy Air Med was on the scene but has departed.

Dana Companies, a trucking company based in New Jersey, says their semi was involved in the accident.

A representative for the motor carrier says it appears their vehicle blew out a steering tire, possibly when the semi went over a road hazard.