Gas line explosion briefly shuts down major Southern California freeway; shelter-in-place orders issued
CBS News • • general
Key Points:
- A natural gas line rupture north of Los Angeles led to the temporary closure of the 5 Freeway and a shelter-in-place order for residents in Castaic on Saturday afternoon.
- The rupture occurred near North Park Elementary School around 4:20 p.m., with a strong gas smell reported; the cause is unclear but may be linked to a mudslide.
- SoCalGas crews isolated the damaged 34-inch transmission pipeline and began venting remaining gas, with repair work to follow once damage is assessed.
- Residents within a one-mile radius were advised to shelter in place, close windows and vents, and turn off HVAC systems; no evacuations or immediate threats to homes and businesses were reported.
- The freeway closure caused significant traffic delays
