A massive sinkhole opened in the exclusive Sea Level Drive neighborhood of Malibu early Tuesday morning, swallowing the driveway of an oceanfront estate owned by actor Nicolas Cage and triggering a local emergency declaration. The collapse occurred at approximately 5:45 AM on September 8, 2026, following a period of severe coastal erosion and high surf driven by post-tropical Cyclone Marie.
The sinkhole, which grew to approximately 30 feet deep and 60 feet wide by Tuesday evening, significantly damaged both the actor’s property and a section of the road providing access to the gated community. While the incident drew immediate attention due to Cage’s ownership of the 4,000-square-foot beachfront home, the impact extends across the entire street.
The City of Malibu issued evacuation orders for Sea Level Drive, affecting a total of 31 properties. Residents were forced to leave as the ground stability remained uncertain. Emergency crews also identified a gas main rupture caused by the shifting earth, prompting SoCalGas to shut off service for an 85-foot section of the street.
Structural Hazards and Red-Tagged Homes
Following an assessment of the area, seven residences have been red-tagged by building safety officials. This designation indicates that the structures are currently uninhabitable due to hazardous conditions, either from direct structural risk or a lack of emergency vehicle access.
Nicolas Cage was not present at the time of the collapse. Reporting indicates the property was vacant and has been undergoing extensive renovations since he purchased the oceanfront home in 2024 for approximately $10.5 million. While the driveway and access points suffered heavy damage, the primary structure of his home was not immediately reported as lost, though its proximity to the growing cavity remains a concern for inspectors.
The incident is the latest in a series of environmental challenges for the Southern California coastline. Meteorologists attribute the sudden failure of the roadway to the combination of high tides and significant surf generated by Cyclone Marie, which exacerbated existing erosion issues along the bluff. Local officials note that the geological stability of the area had been under observation prior to the sinkhole’s opening.
The repairs and stabilization of the affected road and driveways fall under the jurisdiction of the local homeowners association. According to current estimates from the City of Malibu, the stabilization process and necessary infrastructure repairs are expected to take approximately five weeks. During this time, access to the remaining 24 properties on Sea Level Drive that were not red-tagged remains restricted until engineers can certify the safety of the roadway.
