A massive sinkhole that opened near actor Nicolas Cage’s beachfront home in Malibu prompted an emergency response and evacuations, and officials warned that unstable coastal conditions could worsen.
The collapse occurred on Sept. 8 near the residence on Sea Level Drive in the Lechuza Beach area. Emergency crews were initially called to the property when a section of the driveway gave way and there were reports of a gas leak.
According to the city’s proclamation of a local emergency, the sinkhole expanded to roughly 30 feet by 60 feet and reached an estimated depth of about 25 feet. The collapse also damaged part of the roadway, making access difficult for residents and emergency vehicles.
Natural gas service was shut off along part of the affected road as a precaution, and utility crews reported that the leak had been brought under control. Also, if conditions require it, officials said water service could be discontinued.
The city of Malibu declared a local emergency and ordered evacuations for 31 surrounding properties. Seven homes were identified as hazardous because of conditions created by the sinkhole, while other properties were affected because vehicle access for residents was no longer safe.
Officials said the remaining portion of the road was too narrow for large emergency vehicles, raising concerns of whether or not firefighters and other first responders will be able to reach the neighborhood if another emergency occurred.
The damaged home is owned by Cage, who purchased the oceanfront property in 2024. Representatives for the actor had not publicly commented on the incident and did not respond to The Epoch Times request for comment.
Construction vehicles line up near a sinkhole after the collapse of the driveway of a coastal mansion owned by actor Nicolas Cage in Malibu, Calif., on Sept. 8, 2026. (Ethan Swope/AP Photo)
A temporary shelter was set up at Malibu High School for residents affected by the evacuation order, as emergency crews and city officials continue to monitor the sinkhole and surrounding properties. Authorities have not said when residents will be allowed to return or how long road restrictions will remain in place.
Officials have not determined the exact cause of the collapse. However, the incident occurred after several days of coastal conditions associated with Hurricane Marie, which produced heavy rain, high surf and elevated tides along parts of Southern California.
The threat could intensify this winter, with the National Oceanic and Atmospheric Administration expecting a strong El Niño pattern that could bring unusually high sea levels, increased coastal flooding and significant beach erosion along the California coast.
The Associated Press contributed to this report.
