Shelter-in-place order lifted after gas line explodes near 5 Freeway in Castaic
Authorities were responding Saturday to reports of a gas line explosion near the 5 Freeway in Castaic.
LA County firefighters were called around 4:17 p.m. to the area of Ridge Route Road and Pine Crest Place. It’s unclear exactly where the explosion occurred.
Crews at the scene discovered a 34-inch natural gas transmission line had ruptured, according to LA County Fire officials. The cause of the break is unclear.
Officials had issued an evacuation order that was later downgraded to a shelter-in-place order. That order was lifted as of 10 p.m.
A shelter-in-place order was issued for the following Castaic areas:
- West of I-5
- South of North Red Oak Court
- North of Park Vista Drive
- East of Meadow Grass Drive, Victoria Road, and Mandolin Canyon Road
The entire 5 Freeway was shut down indefinitely, according to the California Highway Patrol. Northbound traffic was being diverted to the CA-126.
A witness in the area reported a sulfur smell and a loud noise that sounded like a jet engine.
Residents in Granada Hills, Porter Ranch and Sylmar reported smelling gas from their homes.
SoCalGas crews were able to isolate the section of the pipeline to mitigate the leak.
“Once remaining natural gas in the damaged pipeline section is safely vented, crews will assess the damage and make repairs to the pipeline,” wrote a SoCalGas spokesperson. “There is no risk to the public. However, residents in nearby communities may smell a natural gas odor.”
The cause of the rupture is still unclear. Hazmat personnel are still taking readings in the area, according to LA County Fire.
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