Gas line rupture shuts I-5 in Castaic
A natural gas transmission line ruptured Saturday afternoon near Ridge Route Road and Pine Crest Place in Castaic, prompting a shelter-in-place order within a one-mile radius and the full closure of both directions of Interstate 5 north of Lake Hughes Road, along with nearby state routes used to divert traffic. Los Angeles County firefighters and sheriff’s deputies say the rupture followed reports of an explosion and strong gas odor and may be linked to a mudslide, with SoCal Gas crews working to shut off the line, multiple agencies including arson, explosives and hazmat teams on scene, and no injuries reported so far.
📌 Key Facts
- Incident reported around 4:20 p.m. Saturday after an explosion and strong gas smell near Ridge Route Road and Pine Crest Place in Castaic.
- California Highway Patrol issued a SigAlert just after 5 p.m., closing northbound and southbound I-5 north of Lake Hughes Road and using SR-318 and SR-126 to divert traffic.
- Residents within a one-mile radius were ordered to shelter in place, while arson and explosives detectives and a hazardous materials team responded and awaited SoCal Gas to shut off the transmission line.
📊 Relevant Data
In 2023, California reported no unusual large natural gas leaks or ruptures, with total emissions from damages totaling 145 MMscf, a 23% decrease from 187 MMscf in 2022.
Analysis of the Gas Companies' June 14, 2024, Natural Gas Leak Abatement Annual Reports — California Public Utilities Commission
California's natural gas lines can be vulnerable to the increased frequency and intensity of wildfires and floods, extreme precipitation events, and landslides.
Multihazard Investigation of Climate Vulnerability of the Natural Gas Infrastructure in California — California Energy Commission
Natural gas leaks disproportionately affect low-income neighborhoods and communities of color, with methane emissions from gas leaks being 25% higher in neighborhoods with a higher percentage of people of color and 37% higher in neighborhoods with higher percentages of low-income households.