UPDATE: State police working well blowout that forced evacuations, road closure

According to officials with Louisiana State Police Troop I, troopers are currently working a natural gas/oil well blowout in Acadia Parish, assisting the Acadia Parish Sheriff's Office with diverting traffic.

According to troopers, 12 homes were also evacuated under the 1.5 mile radius evacuation order.

The blowout occurred near La. Highway 13 south of Eunice. Troopers have confirmed that employees with Black Creek Drilling were "drilling a natural gas well when they lost pressure. As a result, there was a well blowout."

Precautionarily, Louisiana State Hazmat, as well as Acadia Parish fire departments, the sheriff's office and Louisiana Department of Environmental Quality are working to evacuate the area.

The sheriff's office has also shut down La. 13 between Tiger Lane and La. Highway 370. There is no estimate on when the roadway will be reopened.

The detour route for those traveling north toward Eunice at this hour is as follows: La. 13 to La. Highway 368 to La. 370 and to La. Highway 755.

The detour route for those traveling south from Eunice at this hour is as follows: La. 755 to La. 370 to La. 368 to La. 13.

Authorities report there are no injuries associated with the blowout. As a precaution, Cleco, which has a power plant near the site of the well blow out, is undergoing a controlled shutdown. Cleco adds they do not expect any power outages because of the shut down. Personnel on site will remain there until if/when they are told they must evacuate.