Sinkhole opens outside former Nicolas Cage Malibu mansion after driveway collapse
Quick Look
- A large sinkhole opened outside a coastal Malibu mansion formerly owned by Nicolas Cage after the driveway collapsed on Tuesday morning, prompting emergency response due to a gas leak.
- SoCalGas secured the leak hours later, but gas and potential water service remain disconnected along an 85-foot stretch of road.
- At least five homes were declared unsafe for entry by Malibu officials amid a coastal flooding advisory linked to Tropical Storm Marie.
AI-generated summary
Why It Matters
The sinkhole occurred during a Los Angeles coastal flooding advisory linked to Tropical Storm Marie, which brought rain and high waves to Southern California over the holiday weekend despite remaining offshore. The private neighbourhood lies between the ocean and the Pacific Coast Highway.
A large sinkhole has opened outside a coastal Malibu mansion belonging to the actor Nicolas Cage after the driveway collapsed on Tuesday morning.
Emergency crews and utility workers responded shortly before 6am when the structural failure caused a gas leak.
SoCalGas stated the leak was secured several hours later, but natural gas was temporarily disconnected along an 85-foot (26-metre) stretch of the road as a safeguard against ongoing coastal erosion.
Representatives for Cage did not immediately reply to requests for comment. Property records indicate the estate was sold in 2024, with the former owner telling the New York Times at the time that Cage was the buyer.
The damage occurred during a Los Angeles coastal flooding advisory linked to Tropical Storm Marie, previously a hurricane. While Marie remained offshore, it brought rain and high waves to Southern California over the holiday weekend.
Officials from the city of Malibu declared at least five homes on the street unsafe for entry on Tuesday. The private neighbourhood lies between the ocean and the Pacific Coast Highway.
“Emergency personnel access is severely constrained and may be impassable, due to the large portion of the road that has collapsed,” the city wrote in the emergency declaration.
“The intact portion of the roadway is too narrow to accommodate emergency response vehicles, including fire engines and other large apparatus, creating a substantial risk to public safety and emergency response capabilities.”
Gas has been shut off in the affected area, and city officials warn that water service may also be discontinued until further notice. It is unclear how long the evacuation order will remain in place.
Cage, 62, recently starred in the Amazon series Spider-Noir, which was recently cancelled by Prime Video despite glowing and positive reviews.
The popular series won five Emmy Awards for cinematography, sound editing, stunt coordination, title design, and visual effects at Sunday's Creative Arts ceremony.
The actor has appeared in more than 100 films, winning an Oscar for Leaving Las Vegas and he will portray John Madden in a biographical film about the NFL coach and commentator out later this year.
What to Watch
AI outlook — possibilities, not facts
Utility services (gas and water) will be restored once safety inspections are completed and repairs are made to the affected road segment.
Likely · Within days
The evacuation order for at least five homes will remain in place until structural engineers confirm the area is safe for re-entry.
Likely · Within days
Open Questions
- How long will the evacuation order and utility disruptions remain in place?
- What is the estimated cost of repairs for the damaged infrastructure?
- Are there additional homes at risk of similar structural failure due to coastal erosion?
- Will Nicolas Cage or the current property owners make a public statement regarding the incident?
