A massive sinkhole that opened Tuesday morning in Malibu has forced the evacuation of 31 properties along a private road in a secluded celebrity enclave, cutting off access for residents and leaving multi-million dollar homes precariously close to the crater.
The sinkhole, estimated to be 25 to 30 feet deep and 30 by 60 feet wide by Tuesday evening, collapsed a beachfront driveway on Sea Level Drive, with the erosion quickly spreading into the roadway. The incident occurred around 5:45 a.m. Tuesday.
Nicolas Cage's $10.5 million cliff-top mansion is situated beside the growing crater. The actor purchased the oceanfront property, a four-level, 3,900-square-foot home with Pacific views, in 2024. His home was reportedly undergoing renovations and appeared to be empty when the driveway collapsed. Cage has not publicly commented on the incident.
Sea Level Drive is home to numerous celebrities and wealthy residents, including Pierce Brosnan, Dustin Hoffman, Ray Romano, Danny DeVito, Valerie Bertinelli, and Mindy Kaling. The mandatory evacuation order covers 31 parcels.
Hazardous Conditions and Emergency Access
All 31 properties were red-tagged due to hazardous conditions and the loss of emergency access. Seven homes were initially red-tagged due to direct hazards from the sinkhole. An additional 24 homes received red tags because the collapsed road prevents emergency vehicles, such as fire engines and ambulances, from reaching them. Officials warned that the remaining intact portion of the roadway is too narrow for large emergency apparatus.
The collapse also damaged a natural gas line, prompting SoCalGas to shut off service to prevent leaks. Water service was also shut off to prevent water main breaks.
Malibu City Manager Joseph Irvin stated, "I don’t think this is a single, isolated event for Malibu," suggesting potential for similar incidents. The City of Malibu has declared a local emergency.
The sinkhole was attributed to severe coastal erosion caused by high surf, high tides, and strong waves associated with Hurricane Marie. City officials are monitoring other vulnerable coastal areas.
The homeowners association for the private road has begun repairs, with city permits, aiming to stabilize the roadway and surrounding properties. The repairs are estimated to take approximately five weeks, with homeowners expected to bear most of the cost. The city is coordinating with various agencies, including the Los Angeles County Fire Department and Sheriff’s Department.
Malibu is also preparing for potential winter storms, high surf, heavy rain, mudslides, and coastal erosion associated with forecast El Niño conditions. This incident follows other environmental challenges in the area, such as the Palisades Fire in January 2025, which destroyed thousands of buildings in Pacific Palisades and parts of Malibu.