An explosion in Castaic resulted in a shelter-in-place order being issued for several neighborhoods on Saturday.
At approximately 4:17 p.m. Saturday, emergency responders were dispatched to reports of a possible gas leak along Ridge Route Road, north of the Northlake neighborhood, according to the Los Angeles County Fire Department.
“Because of the potential danger, we responded with a large number of resources to mitigate the situation and gather information,” said Los Angeles County Fire Department Capt. Brian Kight.
Officials later confirmed that the incident involved a rupture of a 34-inch gas transmission line north of Northlake Elementary School.
Castaic residents reported hearing a persistent loud noise “like a jet engine,” after the initial explosion, according to locals.
The gas company responsible for the line mitigated the transmission line from Saugus to approximately 30 miles north of the rupture.
Gas service has not been disrupted, as residential service is delivered through separate distribution lines, according to the LACoFD.
A natural gas odor has been reported as far away as Sylmar and Porter Ranch, according to social media reports.
The odor is not harmful and poses no immediate danger, according to the LACoFD.
Los Angeles County Fire Department hazardous materials teams are expected to continue monitoring air quality in Castaic and surrounding areas to ensure public safety.
GENASYS PROTECT: Check your emergency zone HERE.
SHELTER IN PLACE ORDERS (as of 9:50 p.m.):
CAS-CAMBRIDGE
CAS-WAYSIDE
CAS-HILLCREST
CAS-GREENHILL
CAS-SLOAN
CAS-CHARLIECANYON
Road closures remain in place for Ridge Route Road from just north of Northlake Elementary School to Templin Highway. The 5 Freeway, which was previously closed in both directions due to the incident, has since reopened.
Multiple Closures in Santa Clarita and Castaic Area’s for an unknown duration. For alternate routes please use your navigation apps. Practice patience and safe driving. Please be safe. pic.twitter.com/0nSgeoStZa
— CHP Newhall (@CHP_Newhall) December 28, 2025
Residents are urged to avoid the immediate area and continue to follow all safety instructions from officials.
The exact cause of the explosion is currently unknown as of publication time.
Ed. Note: This is a breaking news story; the KHTS Newsroom will add more information as it becomes available.
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