Full Breakdown
Sinkhole Cripples Nicolas Cage’s Malibu Home
9/9/2026, 2:55:21 PM
Core Event
On Tuesday, September 8, 2026, a sinkhole opened in the driveway of a beachfront mansion on the 31600 block of Sea Level Drive in Malibu, California. The crater measured roughly 30 ft × 30 ft and about 25 ft deep, damaging a natural-gas line and a water line. The Los Angeles County Fire Department, the Sheriff’s Department, and Southern California Gas Company responded. No injuries were reported; the property was unoccupied.
Background & Context
The sinkhole was linked to severe coastal erosion intensified by the remnants of Tropical Storm Marie, which produced high surf and a coastal flood advisory for several days. Officials had warned that heavy rain, high tides, and strong swells could erode the ground supporting ocean-front properties—a risk that materialized here.
Data & Statistics
- Dimensions: ~30 ft × 30 ft; depth ~25 ft.
- Utility damage: half-inch natural-gas line and water main broken.
- Safety actions: City of Malibu red-tagged five homes and issued an evacuation order for the affected properties.
- Gas service: SoCalGas shut off gas along an 85-ft (26-m) stretch of the road.
- Property value: purchased in 2024 for $10.5 million.
Official Statements & Responses
The City’s Building Safety Division and SoCalGas continued safety assessments. The fire department arrived at about 5:45 a.m., secured the gas leak, and began repairs. SoCalGas crews isolated the damaged line and temporarily disconnected service.
On-the-Ground Reports
Aerial footage showed waves lapping inside the hole and striking the home’s supporting stanchions. Reporters observed orange safety cones, a firetruck with a deployed hose, and debris including concrete, asphalt, a fence panel, and a portable restroom. KTLA described the driveway as having “substantial damage” and noted renovation activity at the house.
Conflicting Reports & Gaps
- Size: Most outlets reported a 30 ft × 30 ft opening; one source said 30 ft × 60 ft.
- Depth: The Los Angeles Times cited ~25 ft; other reports omitted depth.
- Evacuation scope: Initial reports mentioned five red-tagged homes; a later report expanded the evacuation to about 24 coastal homes with a temporary shelter at Malibu High School.
- Property status: Sources indicated the home was vacant and possibly under renovation, but no definitive statement confirmed construction.
Verbatim Quotes
- “As a matter of fact, the house looks like it is under some sort of renovation,” — KTLA’s Rich Prickett
- “Yes, Nicolas Cage bought our home in Malibu,” — Jose Liberman, co-founder
These details illustrate how extreme coastal conditions can jeopardize even ultra-luxury beachfront properties, prompting immediate emergency actions and underscoring Malibu’s shoreline vulnerability.
