Authorities in Malibu prohibited entry to five homes Tuesday after a driveway collapse at an oceanfront property triggered a gas leak and structural damage. The incident occurred just before 6 a.m., prompting responses from the Los Angeles County Fire Department, Los Angeles County Sheriff's Department, and Southern California Gas Company (SoCalGas).
The collapse created a 30-by-30-foot sinkhole in front of the home, exposing underlying beams and debris. SoCalGas confirmed the gas leak was contained within hours but temporarily shut off natural gas services for an 85-foot section of the street as a precaution due to coastal erosion risks. The city’s Building Safety Division and utility company are assessing the situation to determine further safety concerns.
The property, previously reported as owned by actor Nicolas Cage, was sold in 2024, according to property records cited by The New York Times. Representatives for Cage did not respond to requests for comment. The damage occurred amid coastal flooding advisories linked to Hurricane Marie, which churned up dangerous waves along the Southern California coastline over the holiday weekend, despite not making landfall.
Video footage showed the sinkhole’s proximity to the home’s foundation, with orange cones marking the hazard zone. The private neighborhood, situated between the ocean and the Pacific Coast Highway, remains under restricted access. Officials stated the closure is part of ongoing safety evaluations.
Coastal erosion, exacerbated by Hurricane Marie’s residual effects, was identified as the primary cause of the collapse. Authorities continue to monitor the area for additional risks, including potential structural instability in neighboring properties. The incident raises questions about long-term resilience in high-risk coastal zones, though no official policy changes have been announced at this time.