SoCalGas Pipeline Rupture North of Los Angeles Shuts I-5 as Crews Assess Damage

A rupture on a 34-inch SoCalGas pipeline in Castaic forced the closure of Interstate 5 and triggered a shelter-in-place order as crews isolated the line and began assessing damage.

(P&GJ) — Crews were evaluating damage on Dec. 28 following a rupture on a Southern California Gas Co. natural gas pipeline in Castaic, California, that released gas into the air, shut down a major interstate and prompted authorities to issue a shelter-in-place advisory, as reported by KTLA.

The incident occurred around 4:20 p.m. on Dec. 27 near Ridge Route Road and Pine Crest Place alongside Interstate 5, according to the Los Angeles County Fire Department. The ruptured line was a 34-in. natural gas pipeline operating at approximately 600 pounds per square inch.

The release forced the closure of Interstate 5 in both directions for several hours, with northbound traffic diverted to State Route 126 and southbound vehicles rerouted to State Route 138. Officials also instructed nearby residents to remain indoors, seal doors and windows, and shut down heating and ventilation systems after gas odor spread through the area.

SoCalGas said its crews isolated the damaged pipeline segment om Dec. 27, halting the gas flow. The company reported no injuries and said there was no evidence of ignition or explosion, despite residents describing a loud boom at the time of the rupture. Aerial footage showed portions of a hillside near the pipeline had collapsed.

The utility said five nonresidential customers remained without service Sunday, while crews continued inspections and began developing repair plans. The cause of the failure has not yet been determined, though land movement was observed near the rupture site, according to KTLA.