Texas Tech University students are getting a head start on Spring Break after an explosion and fire shut down the campus on Wednesday evening.
Initial reports indicated that the explosion occurred at about 7 p.m. at a manhole on campus, leading to widespread power outages at Texas Tech University and Texas Tech University Health Sciences Center in Lubbock.
This is an emergency notification from the Texas Tech PD. An explosion at a manhole has affected multiple locations on the Texas Tech campus, causing widespread power outages to both TTU and TTUHSC. The Engineering Key has been evacuated. We ask that the public avoid campus.
— Texas Tech University (@TexasTech) March 13, 2025
On Thursday morning, Texas Tech posted the following update on Facebook: “This is a follow-up on the power outage and evacuation at Texas Tech in Lubbock. Power has been restored to some areas, but the university remains closed today (March 13) and Friday (March 14). On-campus students will receive info on housing and dining. Avoid the Engineering Key.”
Electricity and gas services were shut off at both campuses to prevent the fire from spreading further.
The Engineering Key, a gathering spot on the center of the Texas Tech University campus, was evacuated after reports of a gas odor in the area.
Subsequent reports indicated that there were several fires near manhole covers throughout the campus and a power substation explosion. The manholes are part of an extensive tunnel system that runs below campus and houses the utilities.
The fires were extinguished late Wednesday evening, and no injuries were reported. According to an email message from Texas Tech President Lawrence Schovanec to students, work crews are checking the utility infrastructure for safety as power is restored to the campus.
“To allow for the thorough check of campus infrastructure and ensure our campus community’s safety, we will close campus on Thursday, March 13, and Friday, March 14. All classes will be canceled, and all non-essential personnel should work remotely if they are able to,” Schovanec announced.
The campus will also be closed next week for Spring Break.
“We want to share our deepest gratitude to our campus emergency response teams, as well as the City of Lubbock, Lubbock Fire Rescue, Lubbock Police Department, Lubbock Power & Light, Atmos Energy and others, for ensuring the safety of our campus community,” Schovanec added.
The cause of the explosion and fires is still under investigation.