A sinkhole swallowed the driveway of a $10.5 million Malibu beachfront mansion owned by actor Nicolas Cage on Tuesday, September 8, 2026. The collapse caused a gas leak, forced evacuations across 31 properties, and prompted emergency road closures amid severe coastal erosion along Southern California.
Driveway Collapse and Gas Leak on Sea Level Drive
The morning of Tuesday, September 8, 2026, began with an emergency response on Sea Level Drive in Malibu, California. A large sinkhole opened along the private beachfront road, destroying the driveway of an oceanfront property owned by actor Nicolas Cage. Property records indicate Cage purchased the 4,000-square-foot residence in 2024.
The collapse triggered a natural gas leak just before 6 a.m., drawing immediate deployment from the Los Angeles County Fire Department, the Los Angeles County Sheriff’s Department, and utility crews from SoCalGas. Footage from the scene captured large slabs of concrete and asphalt breaking apart, alongside portions of a glass privacy fence tumbling into the crater as ocean waves crashed directly beneath the structure.
Utility workers brought the gas leak under control several hours after the initial break. As a precaution against further coastal erosion, SoCalGas temporarily shut off natural gas service along an 85-foot section of the street.
Evacuations and Red-Tagged Properties in Malibu
By Tuesday evening, the municipal government declared a local emergency as the crater expanded to roughly 30 by 60 feet wide and 25 to 30 feet deep. City officials expanded restrictions, placing 31 properties under an evacuation order along the private residential stretch situated between the Pacific Ocean and the Pacific Coast Highway.
Municipal authorities red-tagged seven homes due to direct structural hazards caused by the sinkhole. An additional 24 residences received red tags because the road collapse eliminated safe vehicular access for residents and emergency responders.
Sheriff’s deputies notified local residents in person while digital safety alerts broadcast across the area. The American Red Cross established a temporary evacuation shelter at Malibu High School to house displaced residents.
Storm Conditions, Marie, and Regional Coastal Erosion
The structural failure occurred amid severe weather driven by the lingering effects of post-tropical cyclone Marie. Although Marie did not make direct landfall on the Southern California coast, the system churned up high surf, heavy rain, and dangerous waves throughout the region during the holiday weekend.
The National Weather Service noted that ocean swells generated by Marie would continue impacting parts of the Baja California Peninsula and Southern California. A coastal flood advisory remained active in Malibu until late Tuesday evening, while city officials warned residents that conditions could deteriorate further with forecasted high tides and impending rains.
Observers on the ground noted that the residence appeared to be undergoing renovations at the time of the collapse. Representatives for Cage did not immediately respond to requests for comment, and reports confirmed the actor was not at the property when the ground gave way.
Broader Vulnerability Along the California Coastline
Next Steps and Infrastructure Repairs
With repair efforts underway, city building safety inspectors and utility operators continue to evaluate site stability along the affected private roadway. Municipal officials indicated that egress and ingress for the neighborhood will remain restricted while reconstruction takes place.
City agencies announced that access points to Sea Level Drive will be monitored continuously, and residents will be permitted to return as soon as official evaluations confirm the area is safe.
