Castaic gas leak prompts shelter in place order

Crews repairing ruptured gas line in Castaic

A landslide may be to blame for the gas leak that forced residents near the Santa Clarita area to stay at home for parts of the holiday weekend.

LOS ANGELES - Residents in Castaic were asked to shelter in place following a gas leak and possible explosion. 

What we know:

The gas leak was reported around 4:30 p.m. Saturday, Dec. 27 near Ridge Route Rd. and Pine Crest Place. 

The gas line rupture reportedly occurred on a hill above the 5 Freeway just north of Lake Hughes Road and prompted a SigAlert shutting down the freeway in both directions in the area, according to California Highway Patrol Officer M. Curtiss. Also, all lanes of Pearblossom Highway (state Route 138) and state Route 126 were closed down. 

All lanes reopened around 8:50 p.m.

California gas leak causes massive backup on 5 Freeway in Castaic

A gas leak near Castaic forced long backups on the I-5 for hours before crews eventually reopened the roads.

Local perspective:

People in the area, and even those in Granada Hills, Porter Ranch, and Sylmar, reported a strong smell of gas.  

A resident in the area reported hearing a loud explosion, causing their house to rattle.

What they're saying:

SoCal Gas reported just before 8 p.m. that the gas had been shut down to the pipeline.

"SoCalGas crews have safely isolated the damaged section of pipeline, stopping the leak," spokeswoman Erica Berardi said. "The cause of the break has not been determined. Once remaining natural gas in the damaged pipeline section is safely vented, crews will assess the damage and make repairs to the pipeline."

There was no risk to the public, she said. People in the area and nearby communities might still smell a natural gas odor.

"There are no indications, at this time, of an ignition or explosion," Berardi said. "However, significant land movement has been observed near the break."