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A natural gas leak near the 5 Freeway in Castaic led to major freeway closures, traffic delays, and emergency safety measures. Learn about the incident, response, and ongoing investigation.
A natural gas leak near the 5 Freeway in Castaic on Saturday caused a significant closure of the freeway, prompting safety alerts and traffic delays for nearby communities. The leak was first reported around 4:20 p.m., near Ridge Route Road and Pine Crest Place, east of the southbound lanes.
Freeway Shutdown and Traffic Disruptions
The release of gas and the strong odor led authorities to shut down the 5 Freeway in both directions. The closure lasted several hours, with the freeway reopening around 8:45 p.m. First responders, including firefighters and hazmat teams, were stationed at the scene to ensure public safety.
The closure caused major traffic delays, especially during the busy post-Christmas travel period, affecting commuters across the area.
Emergency Response and Safety Measures
Officials confirmed that the leak came from a 34-inch transmission pipeline, a major natural gas line near the freeway. While there was no explosion, the forceful release of gas was due to the extreme pressure inside the pipeline.
Key safety measures included:
- Shelter-in-place orders for areas such as Charley Canyon, Hillcrest, and Wayside.
- Hazmat testing and monitoring to ensure the surrounding area was safe.
- Isolation of the damaged pipeline section by SoCal Gas crews.
No injuries were reported, and fewer than five non-residential customers experienced outages. Authorities emphasized that the public is no longer in danger.
Cause and Investigation
The exact cause of the pipeline break is under investigation. SoCal Gas noted significant land movement near the pipeline, which may have contributed to the incident. Crews will assess and repair the damaged section after safely venting the remaining gas.
Capt. Brian Knight explained that any rumbling or shaking felt by residents was caused by the high pressure inside the failed pipeline.
Comparison with Past Gas Incidents
Many residents were reminded of the 2015 Aliso Canyon gas blowout, one of the largest natural gas leaks 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 | Freeway shutdown | N/A |
This comparison shows that the 2025 Castaic leak was contained quickly and posed far less risk than the Aliso Canyon incident.
What Residents Should Know
Residents in nearby areas, including Santa Clarita, reported a strong odor as winds pushed the gas south. Authorities confirm that the situation is now under control and the smell will gradually fade.
This incident highlights the importance of pipeline safety, rapid emergency response, and staying informed during potential hazards.
Final Thoughts
The 5 Freeway closure in Castaic was a serious but quickly managed emergency. Thanks to prompt action from first responders and SoCal Gas crews, no injuries occurred, and the affected area is now safe.
The event serves as a reminder of the need for preparedness, public awareness, and continued monitoring of natural gas infrastructure to prevent future incidents.
