Plaquemines Parish, LA (January 17, 2026) – A two-vehicle crash involving a tanker truck led to an oil spill and injuries in the Oakville/Cedar Grove area of Highway 23, causing major disruptions and prompting a joint investigation by the Plaquemines Parish Sheriff’s Office and Louisiana State Police.
Authorities reported that during the collision, the tanker truck’s tank was punctured, spilling approximately 3,000 gallons of oil across all lanes of the highway. Emergency responders arrived quickly and confirmed that both drivers involved in the crash sustained moderate to minor injuries. They were transported to a nearby hospital for further medical care.
The spill forced the closure of southbound lanes for several hours. While traffic is currently moving in both directions on the northbound side, significant delays remain. Cleanup crews, along with DOTD officials, are working to clear the scene and restore full traffic flow.
In response to the highway closure, the Plaquemines Parish School Board announced immediate transportation adjustments. Southbound school buses were rerouted, with Belle Chasse Middle School students being taken to Belle Chasse High School for parent pickup. Students living south of the crash site were advised to return home. Bus delays impacted Belle Chasse High School, Primary, and Elementary, though those campuses remained open.
Law enforcement officials continue to investigate the cause of the crash and ask drivers to use extreme caution when traveling through the area.
Our thoughts are with the injured individuals, and we hope for their full and speedy recovery.
