A significant explosion on the Texas Tech University campus in Lubbock, Texas, triggered fires and caused power outages on Wednesday night, resulting in the evacuation of several campus buildings and the cancellation of classes for the rest of the week. University officials issued a notice to the campus community around 8:45 p.m., initially attributing the explosion to a substation, but later reports clarified that the explosion occurred at a manhole. Fortunately, no injuries were reported, according to Lubbock Fire Rescue Capt. Jon Tunnell.
Social media and local television broadcasts displayed images and videos capturing the extensive presence of firefighters on the campus, with flames and smoke billowing from at least one manhole cover. The cause of the explosion remains undetermined at this time.
As a precaution, power will be temporarily shut down across the Lubbock campus to facilitate necessary repairs, explained Caitlynn Jeffries, a spokesperson for the university’s police department. She announced, “You can go ahead and go home for Spring break. We are closing school down for the next couple days.” The administration also advised faculty and staff to work remotely where feasible until further instructions are provided.
The emergency unfolded when Lubbock Fire Rescue responded to a possible gas leak around 7 p.m., finding “multiple manhole covers with smoke and fire issuing from them,” noted Tunnell. He added, “This remains a very active scene as crews continue to assist Texas Tech University in mitigating this emergency.”
Texas Tech University, which occupies 1,800 acres in West Texas, is home to more than 40,000 students. The university is continuing to address the situation actively, ensuring the safety and well-being of all students and staff.
