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A major natural gas leak near the 5 Freeway in Castaic caused freeway shutdowns, traffic delays, and safety alerts. Learn about the incident, response, and safety measures for residents.
A major natural gas leak near the 5 Freeway in Castaic on Saturday caused significant disruptions and safety concerns for nearby communities. The leak, reported around 4:20 p.m., occurred just east of the southbound lanes near Ridge Route Road and Pine Crest Place.
Freeway Shutdown and Traffic Delays
The strong smell and visible gas release prompted authorities to shut down the 5 Freeway in both directions. The closure lasted for several hours, reopening around 8:45 p.m., causing major traffic delays during a busy holiday period. First responders, including firefighters and hazmat teams, were present at the scene to ensure public safety.
Emergency Response and Safety Measures
Officials confirmed the leak came from a 34-inch transmission line, a major natural gas pipeline near the freeway. No explosion occurred, though the gas was released forcefully due to high pressure in the pipeline.
Safety measures included:
- Shelter-in-place orders for Charley Canyon, Hillcrest, and Wayside.
- Hazmat testing and monitoring in the surrounding area.
- Isolation of the damaged pipeline section by SoCal Gas crews.
Authorities reported no injuries and confirmed that the immediate danger had passed. Fewer than five non-residential customers experienced outages due to the leak.
Cause and Ongoing Investigation
The exact cause of the pipeline failure is still under investigation. SoCal Gas noted significant land movement near the break. Once the remaining gas is safely vented, crews will assess and repair the damaged section. Capt. Brian Knight explained that any rumbling felt by residents was due to the intense pressure inside the pipe at the time of failure.
Comparison with Previous Gas Incidents
Many residents recalled the 2015 Aliso Canyon gas blowout, which became the largest natural gas leak in U.S. history. The table below highlights the differences:
| Feature | 2025 Castaic Gas Leak | 2015 Aliso Canyon Blowout |
|---|---|---|
| Duration | Hours | 4 Months |
| Area Affected | Localized near 5 Freeway | Multiple communities |
| Injuries | None | Numerous health complaints |
| Evacuations | None | Thousands |
| Pipeline Size | 34-inch transmission line | Storage facility blowout |
| Traffic Impact | Major freeway shutdown | N/A |
This comparison shows that, while dramatic, the Castaic leak was much smaller in scale and effectively contained.
What Residents Need to Know
Residents in nearby areas, including Santa Clarita, reported a strong gas smell due to winds pushing the gas south. Authorities confirmed that there is no longer a danger to the public, and the smell is expected to fade over time. The incident emphasizes the importance of pipeline safety and quick emergency response.
Final Thoughts
The natural gas leak on the 5 Freeway in Castaic caused significant disruption but was handled swiftly by first responders and SoCal Gas crews. While it reminded many residents of past events like Aliso Canyon, authorities confirm that the public is now safe.
This incident underscores the value of emergency preparedness, rapid response, and community awareness when dealing with natural gas leaks.
