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A large sinkhole has opened outside a coastal Malibu mansion belonging to the Oscar-winning 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 the actor was the buyer.
The collapse caused a gas leak just before 6am, prompting authorities and a utility to respond (AP)
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.”
The mansion was damaged during a Los Angeles-area coastal flooding advisory over lingering effects of Marie, which had been a hurricane before turning back into a tropical storm (AP)
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.