Buxton, NC, September 17, 2025

News Summary

A house on Tower Circle Road in Buxton collapsed into the Atlantic Ocean, marking the first such incident of the year. This collapse is part of a troubling trend, as it is the 12th house to collapse in the Rodanthe and Buxton area over the past five years, raising safety concerns among authorities. Visitors are advised to stay away from the collapse site and the waters nearby due to hazardous debris. Climate change is cited as a major factor influencing the structural safety of coastal homes in the area.

Buxton Reports House Collapse, Raising Safety Alarm at Cape Hatteras National Seashore

Buxton, NC – On September 16, 2025, a house located on Tower Circle Road in Buxton collapsed into the Atlantic Ocean. Remarkably, the structure was unoccupied at the time of the incident, which marks it as the first collapse of a house this year.

This collapse follows a troubling trend, as it is the 12th house to fall in the Rodanthe and Buxton area over the past five years. The recent event has prompted safety concerns and potential expansions to an existing beach closure that currently stretches from the northern end of Buxton to off-road vehicle ramp 43 due to hazardous debris resulting from the destruction.

Beachgoers are being advised to steer clear of the collapse site and stay out of the water to avoid dangerous debris scattered in the ocean. Authorities continue to monitor the situation as collapsing homes not only pose immediate risks but can also leave behind debris that tends to drift along the shoreline for several miles.

In the previous year, 2024 saw a significant escalation in incidents, with a total of six homes collapsing in the Rodanthe area alone. Notably, three houses fell within a span of just one week in September of that year. The recurring collapses have garnered attention from officials overseeing the Cape Hatteras National Seashore, who emphasize the importance of public safety in relation to these events.

Safety Precautions and Recommendations

In light of the recent collapse and the threats to beach structures, visitors to the Outer Banks are recommended to avoid the north end of Rodanthe. The area contains oceanfront structures that are considered at risk due to changing environmental conditions, including the effects of climate change and rising sea levels.

Officials have pointed to climate change as a prominent concern impacting these coastal structures. The discussions surrounding Rodanthe have placed the area at the forefront of national conversations about the implications of environmental changes on coastal communities.

For those who wish to learn more about the threats to oceanfront buildings and current safety closures, information is available on the Cape Hatteras National Seashore website.

Understanding the Risks

The frequency of home collapses in this area highlights an urgent need for attention to coastal safety. With ongoing debates regarding sea level rise and other climate-related factors, the situation remains complex, necessitating ongoing observation and potential interventions from local authorities.

Summary of House Collapse Events

Conclusion

The recent collapse in Buxton serves as a crucial reminder of the risks posed to oceanfront homes. As environmental challenges intensify, the safety of residents and visitors remains a priority amidst ongoing incidents of structural failure.

Deeper Dive: News & Info About This Topic

HERE Resources

12th House Collapse in Buxton, NC Highlights Coastal Safety Risks
Mobile Home Incident Causes Closure on Marc Basnight Bridge
Oceanfront Home in Buxton Collapses into Atlantic Ocean
Richard Fertig Transforms Hatteras Island Real Estate Market
Housing Survey Launched for Outer Banks Workers
Rodanthe, N.C.: Homes in Danger Due to Hurricane Ernesto
Beach Closure in North Carolina Due to Petroleum Leak
Buxton, NC Beach Area Faces Closure Due to Contamination Issues
Closure of Buxton Beach Access Due to Petroleum Contamination
Threats to North Carolina’s Highway 12: A Growing Concern

Additional Resources

• CBS 17 News
• WRAL News
• The Coastland Times
• Pilot Online
• Wavy News
• Wikipedia: Climate Change
• Google Search: Coastal Safety Issues
• Google Scholar: Climate Change Coastal Infrastructure
• Encyclopedia Britannica: Coastal Engineering
• Google News: House Collapse Buxton

Author: STAFF HERE OUTER BANKS WRITER

The OBX STAFF WRITER represents the experienced team at HEREOBX.com, your go-to source for actionable local news and information in the Outer Banks, Dare County, and beyond. Specializing in "news you can use," we cover essential topics like product reviews for personal and business needs, local business directories, politics, real estate trends, neighborhood insights, and state news affecting the area—with deep expertise drawn from years of dedicated reporting and strong community input, including local press releases and business updates. We deliver top reporting on high-value events such as the Outer Banks Seafood Festival, NC VIP Fishing Tournament, and NCBBA Red Drum Tournament. Our coverage extends to key organizations like the Outer Banks Chamber of Commerce and Outer Banks Community Foundation, plus leading businesses in tourism, retail, and hospitality that power the local economy such as Kitty Hawk Kites, Outer Banks Mall, and Avon Fishing Pier. As part of the broader HERE network, including HEREAsheville.com, HERECharlotte.com, HEREGreensboro.com, and HERERaleigh.com, we provide comprehensive, credible insights into North Carolina's dynamic landscape.