Early Tuesday morning, the driveway of a coastal mansion in Malibu, owned by actor Nicolas Cage, collapsed, opening a sizable hole in front of the house. The failure triggered a natural‑gas leak just before 6 a.m., prompting an immediate response from city officials and the utility provider Southern California Gas Company (SoCalGas).
Public‑safety actions taken
SoCalGas reported that the leak was brought under control within a few hours, but as a precaution against ongoing coastal erosion, the utility temporarily shut off natural‑gas service for an 85‑foot (26‑meter) section of the street. The shutdown was intended to protect residents and prevent any further hazards while crews assessed the damage.
City response and access restrictions
The City of Malibu issued a statement indicating that entry to five homes on the affected street was prohibited while the situation was being evaluated. The private neighborhood, which sits between the Pacific Ocean and the iconic Pacific Coast Highway, is particularly vulnerable to shoreline erosion, a concern that city officials have been monitoring for years.
Background on recent weather impacts
The driveway collapse occurred in the wake of a coastal flooding advisory issued for the Los Angeles area. The advisory followed the remnants of Hurricane Marie, which had weakened to a tropical storm but still generated heavy rain and powerful waves along Southern California’s coastline over the holiday weekend. Although Marie never made landfall, its lingering effects contributed to heightened erosion and unstable ground conditions in coastal zones such as Malibu.
Property history
Public records show that the property was sold in 2024. At the time of the sale, the prior owner told the New York Times that Nicolas Cage was the buyer. Cage, 62, has recently appeared in the Amazon series “Spider‑Noir” and is slated to portray John Madden in an upcoming biographical film about the legendary NFL coach and commentator.
What residents can expect
City engineers are expected to conduct a thorough inspection of the driveway and surrounding shoreline to determine the cause of the collapse and to develop a remediation plan. Residents whose gas service was temporarily halted will be notified when service is safely restored. In the meantime, the city advises anyone in the vicinity to avoid the restricted area and to follow any additional instructions from emergency responders.
Safety reminders for coastal homeowners
Coastal erosion remains a persistent risk for properties situated near the ocean. Homeowners are encouraged to stay informed about local weather advisories, maintain proper drainage systems, and consult with engineers when signs of ground instability appear. Prompt reporting of gas leaks or other hazards to utilities and emergency services can help prevent accidents and protect the community.
Original reporting: 40/29 / KHBS (NW Arkansas) — read the source article.
