Malibu officials responded early Tuesday to a dramatic sinkhole that opened beneath the driveway of Oscar‑winner Nicolas Cage’s oceanfront property. The Los Angeles County Fire Department said the collapse was triggered by coastal erosion intensified by Hurricane Marie, which generated unusually high waves and tides along the Pacific shoreline.
City response and safety actions
The City of Malibu posted a statement on X confirming that fire crews and the Los Angeles County Sheriff’s Department arrived promptly, closed the private road and identified a gas leak at the site. The city’s Building Safety Division, together with Southern California Gas Company, began assessing the damage and potential hazards.
As a precaution, the city has red‑tagged five homes in the immediate area, prohibiting entry until inspections are completed. Officials emphasized that no evacuations have been ordered and no injuries have been reported.
Ongoing monitoring of coastal erosion
Malibu’s public‑works team noted that the sinkhole is part of a broader pattern of coastal erosion affecting the Pacific Coast Highway corridor, especially in the Palisades Fire burn zone and at Westward Beach. The city is actively monitoring the shoreline for further instability and is preparing for possible strong storms, heavy rain, mudslides and additional erosion linked to forecast El Niño conditions.
Residents are being urged to stay informed about road closures and to avoid the affected driveway until engineers determine a safe repair plan. The city will provide updates as the assessment progresses.
Property details
According to Realtor.com, Cage purchased the 4,000‑square‑foot Malibu home in 2024 for $10.5 million. The modern residence features a rooftop deck, a ground‑level outdoor lounge and floor‑to‑ceiling windows that showcase expansive ocean views. While the actor was not present at the time of the collapse, the incident highlights the vulnerability of coastal properties to natural forces.
What this means for Malibu homeowners
City officials remind property owners that coastal erosion can threaten infrastructure and private access points. They recommend regular inspections of driveways, retaining walls and utility lines, especially after severe weather events. The municipality is working with state and federal agencies to secure funding for shoreline stabilization projects that could mitigate future sinkholes.
For now, the focus remains on ensuring public safety, repairing the damaged roadway and addressing the gas leak. Malibu residents can follow the city’s official channels for the latest information on road reopenings and safety advisories.
Original reporting: Fox News (HLL/CB) — read the source article.
