LA County Gas Leak Triggers Major Road Closures and Shelter-in-Place Order in Castaic

Residents in Castaic were ordered to shelter in place after a large LA County gas leak on Saturday evening. The leak was reported around 4:30 p.m. near Ridge Route Road and Pine Crest Place. Emergency crews rushed to the scene as a possible explosion was also reported. The order affected thousands of people as the smell of gas spread across nearby communities.Officials said the gas line ruptured on a hill above the 5 Freeway. This led to an immediate shutdown of the freeway in both directions. According to California Highway Patrol, other major roads were also closed as a safety step.

LA County Gas Leak Prompts Freeway Shutdown and Widespread Alerts

The LA County gas leak forced the CHP to close the 5 Freeway at 5:12 p.m. Traffic was stopped for long stretches. Northbound drivers were moved onto State Route 126, while southbound traffic was sent toward State Route 138. According to Reuters, drivers reported long backups that lasted for more than an hour.The Los Angeles County Fire Department asked people within a one-mile radius to stay inside. They told residents to close windows, doors, and vents. Fire officials said about 19,200 people were under the shelter-in-place order.Crews said some residents in Granada Hills, Porter Ranch, and Sylmar noticed the strong odor. A few people also reported hearing a loud boom before their homes shook. Fire officials noted that the cause of the rupture is still unknown.According to CBS News, first responders waited for SoCalGas to shut off the 34-inch gas line. The company later confirmed it had found and isolated the damaged section. Crews began venting the remaining gas so repairs could start.

How the LA County Gas Leak Impacts Local Communities

The LA County gas leak affected travel, homes, and air quality across the region. The 5 Freeway is a key link through Southern California. Its long closure disrupted weekend traffic for drivers heading north and south.Fire officials said the leak did not pose a threat to the city of Los Angeles. But they warned that the smell of gas could linger in many parts of the Santa Clarita and San Fernando valleys. This raised concern for families who feared air quality issues.State officials said Gov. Gavin Newsom was briefed on the rupture. The Office of Emergency Services worked with local agencies to support the response. Repair crews expect some residual gas to seep out for a while.

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Officials said the LA County gas leak may take time to fully resolve. Crews plan to assess the pipeline and begin repairs once the area is safe.

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Q1: What caused the LA County gas leak?

Officials say the cause of the rupture is still under review. Crews are checking the damaged pipeline section. More details will come after repairs begin.

Q2: How many people were told to shelter in place?

Fire officials said about 19,200 people were under the order. It covered a one-mile radius around the leak. The order stays in place until crews give an all-clear.

Q3: Which roads were closed due to the gas leak?

The CHP closed the 5 Freeway in both directions. Parts of State Routes 126 and 138 also shut down. Drivers were moved to alternate routes to avoid danger.

Q4: Is the LA County gas leak dangerous to Los Angeles?

Fire crews said the leak does not pose a direct threat to Los Angeles. But the smell of gas may travel far. Many residents across nearby valleys reported the odor.

Q5: Who is handling the gas line repairs?

SoCalGas crews isolated the damaged spot. They are venting the line and preparing for repairs. Work will begin when the area is fully safe.

Trusted Sources: Reuters, AP News, CBS News, Los Angeles Times