LONDON (AP) — On Wednesday, residents of an English village were barred from returning to their homes as specialists worked to stabilize a significant sinkhole that had engulfed portions of the main street, approaching at least two nearby residential buildings.

Officials from Surrey County declared a major incident on Tuesday following the emergence of the sinkhole on Godstone High Street, located approximately 20 miles (32 kilometers) south of London.

According to Philip Collins, the deputy dean of engineering at Brunel University in London, the sinkhole was likely triggered by a burst water main beneath the roadway.

As a precautionary measure, residents from around 30 buildings were evacuated on Tuesday due to concerns that the collapse could compromise nearby gas lines and potentially cause an explosion. Many homes in the vicinity experienced water outages for over a day.

Tracey Jones, whose family members were evacuated, described the experience as “an absolute nightmare. Dreadful.”

Structural specialists are currently assessing the situation to ensure the safety of residents and properties, while also devising a plan for repairs, stated Carl Bussey, the assistant director for safer communities at Surrey County Council.

Collins, a geologist and geotechnical engineering expert, explained that the water pressure from the broken main likely eroded the soil beneath the street, which contributed to the collapse. He noted that this soil may have entered the sewer system, potentially leading to further complications.

“A contributing factor is the local geology, which consists of sand,” Collins stated. “The area also has a history of land use as a sand quarry situated just west of the sinkhole. Sand can be compact and strong when dry but becomes weak when saturated, especially under high water pressure.”

The village has a network of caves remaining from a stone quarry that operated until the late 19th century. However, a county spokesperson confirmed that these mines were not in proximity to the site of the collapse.

Nevertheless, Collins pointed out that an 1868-69 ordnance survey map indicates a sand pit entrance near the sinkhole. “Although it has been filled in, it may have left behind weaker soil layers beneath the surface,” he explained.

SES Water has not yet provided insights regarding the cause of the water main break or the resultant sinkhole, but they confirmed that water service was restored to residents on Wednesday. Attempts to contact the company for further comments after hours were unsuccessful, and they have not yet responded to an email inquiry from The Associated Press.