Repairs continue on ruptured gas line on 5 Freeway in Castaic

Crews on Tuesday were removing a damaged section of a large-diameter gas line that ruptured in Castaic on Saturday, shutting down the 5 Freeway for about four hours.

The damaged section of pipeline was isolated Saturday evening following the late afternoon break, according to the Southern California Gas Company.

“Crews are removing the damaged section of the pipeline and preparing the site for repairs in advance of the incoming rain,” according to the utility. “A temporary bypass will be constructed to restore normal pipeline operations while permanent repairs are underway. Currently, there are no natural gas customers experiencing a disruption of service as a result of the break.”

The cause of the break is under investigation, but it appears earth movement caused the problem, as confirmed by a geologist, the gas company said in a statement.

The initial call came in at 4:20 p.m. Saturday on a hill above the 5 Freeway, just north of Lake Hughes Road, a California Highway Patrol Officer told City News Service.

The raw egg smell of natural gas was reported to the Los Angeles Fire Department from residents in Granada Hills, Porter Ranch and Sylmar, LAFD spokeswoman Jennifer Middleton said. The L.A. County Fire Department confirmed the gas line rupture.

A shelter-in-place order was issued and the closure snarled freeway traffic for hours.

“It took 5 hours to get off and exit to safety,” motorist @Lauraoiq noted on X.

All lanes reopened at 8:50 p.m. Saturday, and the shelter-in-place order was lifted as of 10 p.m.

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

There were no indications of an ignition or explosion, but video showed gas and dust spewing from the damaged pipe and a loud “whoosh” sound could be heard.

Area resident Philip Perry told KeyNews that he heard an explosion and his house shook. He said he heard a sound similar to a jet engine when he went outside and saw a cloud.