Full Breakdown
Driveway Collapse and Sinkhole at Nicolas Cage’s Malibu Home
9/9/2026, 10:48:22 AM
Core Event
On the morning of September 8, 2026, a driveway in the 31600 block of Sea Level Drive, Malibu, gave way, forming a sinkhole that swallowed part of the ocean-front property linked to actor Nicolas Cage. Fire and sheriff’s department units responded at about 5:45 a.m. after a report of a suspected gas line break. Crews found a hole roughly 30 ft × 30 ft (some reports said 30 ft × 60 ft). The collapse ruptured a natural-gas line and a water line; Southern California Gas Company shut off gas service and isolated an 85-ft section of the road. No injuries were reported, and the home was unoccupied.
Background & Context
The sinkhole occurred amid a coastal flood advisory for Los Angeles County after the remnants of Hurricane Marie generated high surf, 10-15-foot swells, and elevated tides along the Malibu shoreline. The National Weather Service warned of beach erosion and further flooding. City officials noted similar wave activity had already prompted mud-slide and erosion concerns along the Pacific Coast Highway and at Westward Beach.
Data & Statistics
- Estimated sinkhole dimensions: 30 ft × 30 ft (some outlets report 30 ft × 60 ft).
- Depth: ? 25 ft.
- Gas line disconnected: 85 ft.
- Initial red-tagging: 5 homes unsafe; later reports increased to 7 homes and 24 additional properties losing safe vehicle access.
- Evacuation order: 31 homes initially, later expanded by about 24 more residences.
- Property purchase price: $10.5 million in 2024; home size ? 4,000 sq ft.
Official Statements & Responses
The city’s Building Safety Division and Southern California Gas Company continued to assess structural safety and utility integrity. Los Angeles County Fire Department officials confirmed the collapse was caused by coastal erosion undermining the ground beneath the driveway. SoCal Gas personnel secured the gas leak and restored service after repairs.
On-the-Ground Reports
Local reporters observed orange safety cones and sandbags surrounding the crater. KTLA’s Rich Prickett described the scene as “substantial damage… to the driveway” and noted renovation work at the house. Aerial footage captured waves crashing through the opening and reaching the foundation pilings. Firefighters used sandbags to protect neighboring properties while utility crews worked on the damaged gas line.
Conflicting Reports & Gaps
- Sinkhole size: Most sources cite a 30 ft × 30 ft hole; others describe a 30 ft × 60 ft opening.
- Number of evacuated homes: City statements referenced 31 homes, while later coverage mentioned an additional 24 homes.
- Property value: Reports vary between $10.5 million, $14.5 million, and $15.6 million.
These discrepancies highlight the evolving nature of information in the immediate aftermath.
