Massive gas pipeline rupture in California forces thousands to shelter in place as highway shuts during busy travel weekend
Authorities issued a shelter-in-place order and were forced to shut down a major highway as residents reported that their eyes burned from the rotten egg smell.
Published: 07:32 GMT, 28 December 2025 | Updated: 08:39 GMT, 28 December 2025
A massive gas pipeline burst in the California valley on Saturday evening, forcing residents to stay in place and shutting down a major highway during the busy holiday travel weekend.
The Los Angeles County Fire Department first received reports of the leak on Old Ridge Route in Castaic just after 4:20pm PST and issued a shelter-in-place order affecting around 14,000 residents.
Video footage of the gas leak showed a billowing smoke cloud and what appeared to be land movement caused by the burst.
The rupture raised fears that a landslide or storm-related soil issue caused the gas leak. However, LA Fire officials later said they believe the rupture occurred due to extreme pressure on the pipe, and are still investigating the cause.
LAFD Captain Brian Knight told local ABC affiliate, KABC, that authorities had ruled out a landslide and any rumbling locals felt was due to the pressure from the leak.
'We are closely monitoring a gas leak which occurred in Castaic, Los Angeles County. Some Angelenos may smell the odor of natural gas in the air,' Los Angeles Mayor Karen Bass announced.
'LAFD and L.A. County report that this is not harmful and poses no immediate danger to City residents.'
Bass added that LAFD Hazardous Materials personnel were monitoring air quality in the impacted areas.
Residents in the California valley were forced to shelter in place on Saturday evening after a gas pipeline ruptured
Residents reported a rotten egg smell and were concerned a landslide had caused the leak
The California Highway Patrol closed all lanes of a major highway for several hours as authorities worked to contain the leak
The rotten-egg smell was even reported miles away from the leak. Authorities said it was normal for gas odors to travel depending on weather conditions, and said it may linger in the area for some time before dissipating.
Just after 5pm PST, the California Highway Patrol closed all lanes of a major highway, diverting traffic and leaving some at a standstill for hours.
The Santa Clarita Valley Sheriff's Office advised residents to stay inside, close all doors, windows, and vents, and shut off HVAC systems.