BREAKING: A significant natural gas leak has led to the complete closure of all lanes on the 5 Freeway in Castaic, California. Response crews were dispatched following reports of the leak that emerged at approximately 4:20 PM on Saturday, October 21, 2023.
According to Captain Brian Knight with Los Angeles County Fire, gas is escaping from a main line located just east of the southbound lanes of the 5 Freeway, near the intersection of Ridge Route Road and Pine Crest Place. Thankfully, there have been no reports of explosions or injuries associated with this incident, but the situation remains critical.
The California Highway Patrol has closed all northbound and southbound lanes of the 5 Freeway at Lake Hughes Road. Motorists are being diverted to SR-126 for northbound traffic and SR-138 for southbound traffic.
In addition to the freeway closures, authorities have issued a shelter-in-place order for the immediate areas surrounding the leak, including Charley Canyon, Hillcrest, and Wayside. This precaution aims to ensure the safety of residents as emergency crews respond to the scene.
Multiple eyewitnesses have reported hearing loud booms in the Castaic area, with additional complaints of a strong gas smell extending into Santa Clarita, Stevenson Ranch, and Valencia. Emergency services are actively assessing the situation, and updates will be provided as more information becomes available.
Residents are urged to avoid the area and follow guidance from emergency services. This is an evolving situation, and further updates will be posted as they come in. Stay tuned for more information on this urgent incident.
