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Castaic Gas Pipeline Rupture Contained as I-5 Reopens and Repair Work Advances

Investigators are focusing on storm-driven land movement as the likely cause.

Overview

  • SoCalGas isolated the damaged 34-inch transmission line on Saturday evening, stopping the leak with no injuries and no signs of ignition reported.
  • Interstate 5 near Lake Hughes Road was closed in both directions for nearly four hours and fully reopened around 9 p.m., with shelter-in-place orders lifted about an hour later.
  • A SoCalGas spokesperson noted significant ground movement at the site following recent heavy rains, and a UCLA engineering expert said images indicate a landslide.
  • Crew teams are venting residual gas, conducting atmospheric monitoring, and preparing repairs, with assessments underway that could require rerouting the pipeline.
  • Residents reported strong gas odors across parts of the Santa Clarita and San Fernando valleys, a few non-residential customers lost service, and hazmat and arson/explosives units supported the response.