Texas Tech Closes After Explosion Causes Power Outage, Campus Evacuations

Texas Tech University in Lubbock is closed Thursday and Friday because of an explosion at a power source Wednesday night that knocked out power to many people and caused green flames to shoot out of manholes on campus.

At 7:12 p.m., the TechAlert system first told students that a power outage on campus affected many places. At 7:30 p.m., another warning said that students and teachers should leave the Engineering Key because they could smell gas. At 8:42 p.m., a third alert revealed that there had been an explosion at a substation, which cut power to Texas Tech University and the Health Sciences Center.

Videos around the internet showed bright green and yellow flames shooting out of manholes and thick smoke filling the grounds. At a news conference, Lubbock Fire and Rescue Captain Jon Tunnell confirmed that no one was hurt, but fire and smoke damaged several manhole covers.

At 11:11 p.m., the power was still out across campus, but students could return to their dorms. Faculty and staff at the university have been told to work from home until further notice.

Because of ongoing safety worries, Texas Tech has shut down for the rest of the week, meaning Spring Break has begun early. If a student needs a different kind of help, they can call (806) 789-6000 or email tanya.massey@ttu.edu.

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