Gas Leak Shuts Down Major US Highway

A reported gas leak temporarily shut down a major Southern California highway for several hours on Saturday (December 27), resulting in traffic being backed up for several miles, ABC News reports.

The incident involved a 34-inch gas main line located east of the southbound lanes of Interstate 5 -- connecting Southern and Northern California -- in northern Los Angeles County. L.A. County Fire Department Capt. Brian Kight said the department received a report of a leak at around 4:20 p.m. local time, adding that there were no reports of explosions from the leak nor injuries reported.

A shelter-in-place order affecting 14,900 people was lifted on Sunday (December 28) and authorities confirmed that there was no danger to the public.

"#LACoFD firefighters and utility crews remain on scene of the rupture of a 34” gas transmission line in Castaic," the department said in a post shared on its Facebook account. "The Gas Company has mitigated that from Saugus to about 30 miles north. The rupture itself was north of North Park Elementary School in Castaic.

"Shelter in place orders have been lifted. The 5 freeway is now open in both directions. A road closure remains in effect for Ridge Route Road from just north of the elementary school to Templin Highway.

"Some residents may smell an odor of natural gas in the air - please note this is not harmful and poses no immediate danger to residents. Our LACoFD hazardous material personnel continue to monitor air quality to ensure the safety of residents.

"Please avoid the immediate vicinity and follow all safety instructions from officials. Public safety is the top priority."

The cause of the leak is still being investigated.