URGENT UPDATE: A massive gas line explosion rocked Castaic, California, late Saturday afternoon, prompting immediate freeway closures and a shelter-in-place order for local residents. The Los Angeles County Fire Department responded to reports of the explosion at 4:20 p.m. near Ridge Route Road and Pine Crest Place.
In a swift response, the California Highway Patrol closed all lanes of the 5 Freeway at 5:12 p.m. due to safety concerns, with no clear timeline for reopening. By 5:40 p.m., fire officials had issued a shelter-in-place order affecting much of Castaic, instructing residents to seal their homes and shut off HVAC systems as a precaution.
Fire Captain Brian Kight confirmed to the Los Angeles Times that there have been no reported injuries as of now. Emergency crews successfully shut off gas to both ends of the damaged line by 6:00 p.m., yet a hazmat task force remains on site to address a residual leak.
The explosion coincides with ongoing severe weather conditions in the region. Southern California has been battered by heavy rain and strong winds throughout the week, causing flash flooding, power outages, and widespread road closures. As of now, thousands of residents remain without power, particularly in the San Fernando Valley and West L.A. areas.
Authorities warn that additional rain is expected, raising the risk of mudslides in areas already weakened by previous wildfires. Governor Gavin Newsom has declared a state of emergency in six counties, mobilizing state resources and the California National Guard to assist in storm response.
As the situation develops, residents are urged to stay informed and heed local advisories. The focus now shifts to the investigation into the cause of the explosion and the ongoing impact of the severe weather.
Stay tuned for further updates as fire officials and emergency responders work tirelessly to manage this crisis.
