Castaic's 5 Freeway: A Gas Leak, Traffic Chaos, and Lessons from the Past

Saturday's Incident:

• Location: 5 Freeway, Castaic
• Impact: All lanes closed for hours
• Cause: Natural gas leak from a major gas line
• Outcome: No explosion or fire reported

Details of the Leak

• Source: Big gas line near the freeway
• Resolution: Fire officials stopped the leak safely
• Possible Cause: Recent storms may have shifted the land, damaging the gas line
• Current Status: Investigation ongoing

Traffic and Safety Measures

• Traffic Jams: Drivers stuck for nearly three hours
• Shelter-in-Place Order: Issued for nearby areas
• Affected Population: Approximately 14,900 people
• Order Lifted: Around 10 p.m. Saturday

Historical Context

• 2015 Aliso Canyon Leak: Largest natural gas leak in U.S. history
• Impact: Health problems, school closures, evacuations

Leak Characteristics

• Pipe Condition: Under significant pressure
• Release: Forceful, kicking up dirt and debris
• Visibility: Drivers could see the disturbance from the freeway