Gas line ruptures in California, prompting shelter-in-place order

CASTAIC, Calif. (NBC, KYMA) - A shelter-in-place order was issued after a gas line ruptured near the I-5 Freeway in Castaic, California Saturday.

Authorities, including Los Angeles County firefighters, responded to reports of a gas line rupture and possible explosion around 4:20 p.m. on a hill above the Golden State Freeway.

A large cloud of debris floated towards the freeway following the incident.

According to the California Highway Patrol, the entire 5 Freeway was shutdown indefinitely and northbound traffic was being diverted as crews worked to turn off the gas.

Residents nearby reported smelling gas and another witness in the area reported a sulfur smell.

The L.A. County Fire Department confirmed the gas line rupture as the gas company and they worked to contain the leak. They also confirmed there was no explosion.

"There was calls in regarding possible explosion, smell of gas. At first they thought it was propane, turned out to be natural gas, and first in units came in about five minutes after the fact. Of course, everybody in the area could smell this large plume of gas. It was also a very large plume, looked like a gas cloud. And so that's why reports came in...they thought it was an actual explosion, but there was no explosion."

Capt. Brian Kight, Public Information Officer, L.A. County Fire Dept.

Officials initially issued an evacuation order, but the order was later downgraded to a shelter-in-place.

The areas effected by that order include west of I-5, south of North Red Oak Court, north of Park Vista Drive, and west of Meadow Grass Drive, Victoria Road, and Mandolin Canyon Road.

There is no immediate threat to the public.