Sinkhole Evacuates Nicolas Cage's Malibu Neighbors

A significant sinkhole, measuring approximately 30 feet in diameter and 900 square feet in area, has formed in the driveway of actor Nicolas Cage's Malibu residence, prompting mandatory evacuations for more than two dozen neighboring properties. The incident occurred on September 6, following reports of a gas main break at the 4,000-square-foot mansion located on Sea Level Drive. Nicolas Cage reportedly purchased the property in 2024 for $10.5 million. The Los Angeles County Fire Department (LACFD) responded to the scene, with public information officer Jonathan Torres attributing the collapse to coastal erosion. Witnesses observed waves crashing through the newly formed sinkhole, indicating the direct impact of the ocean on the structural integrity of the land. Nicolas Cage was reportedly not present at the residence during the time of the collapse. Sea Level Drive is situated within an exclusive gated community in Malibu, comprising 31 homes, and is also home to notable figures such as Pierce Brosnan, Dustin Hoffman, and Mindy Kaling. In response to the escalating situation, a state of emergency was declared by the city of Malibu. Initially, seven nearby homes were "red-tagged," meaning they were deemed unsafe for occupancy. This designation was later extended to an additional 24 properties within the community. City officials cited "current road erosion" as the primary reason, preventing "normal ingress and egress to the neighborhood" and posing a significant risk to access and evacuation routes in the event of future emergencies. The sinkhole has not only caused the collapse of the driveway but has also cracked the adjacent sidewalk, creating a substantial and alarming void. Gas and water services have been temporarily shut off to the affected area. The homeowners association for the neighborhood has initiated repair efforts, with an estimated completion time of up to five weeks. Malibu, a city with a median listing price of $5.4 million, has experienced environmental challenges in recent years, including frequent road closures due to coastal erosion. The area was also significantly impacted by the Palisades fire in early 2025, highlighting its vulnerability to natural disasters.