Castaic, California — Emergency crews are tackling a significant natural gas line leak that forced the closure of all lanes on the 5 Freeway. The incident was first reported around 4:20 p.m. Saturday, with authorities taking immediate action to ensure public safety.

Los Angeles County Fire Captain Brian Knight confirmed that natural gas was leaking from a main line located just east of the freeway’s southbound lanes, near Ridge Route Road and Pine Crest Place. Thankfully, there have been no reports of explosions or injuries related to the leak.

In response to the situation, California Highway Patrol has closed both northbound and southbound lanes of the 5 Freeway at Lake Hughes Road. Motorists traveling north are being redirected to State Route 126, while those heading south are diverted to State Route 138. The traffic backup extends for miles, further complicating the region’s Saturday evening commute.

A shelter-in-place order was issued for nearby communities, including Charley Canyon, Hillcrest, and Wayside. At this time, it remains unclear which company operates the affected gas line.

Residents in nearby areas, including Santa Clarita, Stevenson Ranch, and Valencia, reported strong gas odors and were alarmed by loud booms. Multiple callers informed responders about these alarming sounds, prompting further investigation into the cause.

While the Los Angeles Fire Department has indicated no immediate threat exists within the city limits, some residents reported smelling gas. Officials continue to monitor the situation closely, ensuring that safety protocols are upheld.

As crews work to resolve the leak, updates will be provided to keep the public informed. Authorities urge residents to remain vigilant and follow safety instructions as the situation develops.