Gas Line Rupture in Castaic Closes 5 Freeway, Prompts Shelter-in-Place Order
A natural gas line rupture in Castaic led to the closure of the 5 Freeway and a shelter-in-place order for nearby residents. No injuries have been reported.
A natural gas line rupture occurred in Castaic on Saturday afternoon, leading to the closure of all lanes of the 5 Freeway and a shelter-in-place order for nearby residents. The incident was reported around 4:20 p.m. near Ridge Route Road and Pine Crest Place. Los Angeles County Fire Department Captain Brian Knight stated that natural gas was emitting from a main gas line east of the southbound lanes of the freeway. He confirmed that there were no reports of explosions or injuries.
The California Highway Patrol (CHP) closed both northbound and southbound lanes of the 5 Freeway at Lake Hughes Road. Northbound traffic was diverted to State Route 126, while southbound traffic was redirected to State Route 138. A shelter-in-place order was issued for the immediate surrounding areas, including Charley Canyon, Hillcrest, and Wayside. Residents were advised to close all doors, windows, and vents, and to turn off HVAC systems.
Multiple residents reported hearing loud booms and detecting a strong gas odor in areas such as Santa Clarita, Stevenson Ranch, and Valencia. The Los Angeles Fire Department stated that there was no immediate threat to the city of Los Angeles, despite some residents reporting the smell of gas. By 6 p.m., gas company personnel had shut off both sides of the affected transmission line, significantly reducing the volume of escaping gas. Firefighters and a hazardous materials task force continued to monitor the area for residual leakage. The cause of the rupture is under investigation, with early reports suggesting a possible link to a recent mudslide.
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