An early morning crash involving an 18-wheeler carrying hazardous materials has closed LA 3127 between Boutte and Vacherie, according to State Police.

The accident occurred at 5:37 a.m. just west of LA 640 in St. John the Baptist Parish and involved a truck carrying an acid-type chemical, said State Police Troop C Spokesman Bryan Zeringue. The driver of the 18-wheeler, whose name was not released, was taken to a local hospital with burns.

Zeringue said about 55 gallons of the material were spilled in the accident and added that it could take at least six hours to clean everything up.

Capt. Dane Clement, spokesman for the St. John Sheriff’s Office, said a St. John deputy who responded to the accident become overcome by the fumes from the material. He was taken to St. James Hospital in Lutcher, where he was treated and released.

State Police are advising motorists to avoid the area and take alternate routes. Drivers coming from the west on LA 3127 should detour at LA 3213 and take LA 18 or cross the Gramercy Bridge to the east bank. Drivers from the east should detour at LA 640 to LA 18.