Tesla’s chief designer accidentally smashed a $61K Cybertruck’s ‘armor glass’ window with a metal ball. Now he says it was a ‘great marketing moment’

 

🚨#BREAKING: shelter-in-place has been issued after a Major natural gas line exploded

📌#Castaic | #California

At this time, law enforcement and emergency crews have issued a shelter-in-place order following a major natural gas explosion in Castaic, California. Numerous… pic.twitter.com/z4q9tCiEx2

— R A W S A L E R T S (@rawsalerts) December 28, 2025

On December 27, 2025, a major rupture in a high-pressure natural gas pipeline occurred in Castaic, California, near Ridge Route Road and the Interstate 5 (I-5) freeway.The incident involved a 34-36 inch underground transmission line, likely caused by a landslide triggered by recent heavy rains in the area.

Residents reported hearing loud, jet-engine-like roaring sounds and an initial explosion-like boom, followed by a massive plume of escaping gas and a strong odor spreading to nearby areas like Santa Clarita Valley, Stevenson Ranch, and even parts of Los Angeles.

No fire ignited, and no injuries were reported, thanks to rapid response from SoCalGas, which shut off the flow from both sides of the rupture.

Authorities issued a shelter-in-place order for nearby neighborhoods (including Charley Canyon, Hillcrest, and Wayside), advising residents to close windows, doors, vents, and turn off HVAC systems.

The I-5 freeway was fully closed in both directions for several hours, causing massive traffic backups and stranding thousands of post-holiday travelers. Detours were directed via SR-126 (northbound) and SR-138 (southbound).

Hazardous materials teams, arson/explosives detectives, drones, and multiple fire departments responded to monitor air quality and stabilize the hillside.

By late evening on December 27 (into December 28), all lanes of the I-5 reopened, with officials confirming no ongoing public danger, though residual gas smells lingered in some areas.

The cause is under investigation, but initial reports point to storm-related landslide damage rather than sabotage or other factors.Here are some visuals from the incident (including the massive gas plume and traffic chaos):rollingstone.com

Social media reactions ranged from concern about infrastructure vulnerabilities in California to memes and political commentary blaming maintenance issues or state policies. The event disrupted travel significantly but was resolved without escalation into a larger disaster.