Home / Disasters and Accidents / Castaic Gas Leak: 5 Freeway Shut Down, Residents Shelter
Castaic Gas Leak: 5 Freeway Shut Down, Residents Shelter
28 Dec
Summary
- A 36-inch underground gas line ruptured near Castaic, California.
- A shelter-in-place order was issued for surrounding neighborhoods.
- All lanes of the 5 Freeway are closed in both directions.
A significant natural gas leak occurred in Castaic, California, originating from a 36-inch underground main gas line. The rupture, reported on Saturday afternoon, has led authorities to issue a shelter-in-place order for adjacent neighborhoods including Charley Canyon, Hillcrest, and Wayside. The incident has caused no reported explosions or injuries to date.
The leak has resulted in the closure of all lanes on the 5 Freeway, with traffic being diverted. This closure is in effect in both the northbound and southbound directions, impacting travel significantly. Videos from the Santa Clarita Valley show high-pressure gas escaping into the atmosphere.
Gas odors from the leak have been detected in distant areas like Granada Hills, Santa Clarita, Stevenson Ranch, and Valencia. While the smell is widespread, the Los Angeles Fire Department has confirmed no immediate threat to the city of Los Angeles itself. The situation remains ongoing as officials work to resolve the hazard.
