A chemical spill involving a large truck caused traffic disruptions in Louisiana after hundreds of gallons of a corrosive solution leaked onto a highway. Authorities quickly responded to the situation, rerouting vehicles and launching a cleanup operation to prevent further hazards.
Chemical Spill From 18-Wheeler Shuts Down Highway in Louisiana
About 250 gallons of a corrosive caustic solution spilled from an 18-wheeler in St. James Parish, Louisiana, forcing authorities to temporarily shut down part of a major roadway.
The spill occurred around 11:30 a.m. Tuesday on the east bank approach highway to the Veterans Memorial Bridge near Gramercy.
Officials said the chemical had just been picked up from a plant in Garyville before the incident happened.
How the Spill Happened
According to local emergency officials, the liquid was being transported in a tote container placed inside the truck’s trailer.
At some point during the trip, the container leaked, causing the caustic solution to pour onto Louisiana Highway 3213.
Authorities estimate that roughly 250 gallons of the chemical spilled onto the roadway.
The incident occurred on La. 3213 between La. 3125 and the bridge.
Traffic Forced to Reroute
Because the chemical was corrosive and potentially dangerous, officials immediately closed part of the road.
Traffic heading toward the bridge had to be diverted onto River Road while crews worked to manage the spill.
The shutdown affected the east bank approach route to the Veterans Memorial Bridge, creating temporary traffic delays in the area.
Cleanup Operation Launched
According to St. James Parish Homeland Security Director Eric Deroche, the trucking company responsible for the shipment arranged for a specialized third-party cleanup crew.
The crew worked to:
- Remove the remaining chemical from the truck’s trailer
- Clean the contaminated section of highway
- Safely dispose of the spilled material
Officials focused on ensuring the corrosive liquid was fully removed to prevent damage to the roadway and reduce environmental risks.
No Injuries Reported
Fortunately, authorities confirmed that no injuries were reported during the incident.
Emergency crews were able to secure the area quickly and begin the cleanup process without any known exposure to the chemical.
Officials did not release additional details about the exact type of caustic solution involved.
