Texas Tech University Cancels Classes as Mystery Green Manhole Explosion Sets Off Fires on Campus

Mar. 15, 2025

An explosion at Texas Tech University has resulted in a mass evacuation and the closure of the Lubbock campus.

On Wednesday, March 12, the campus in Lubbock faced multiple fires and power outages after an explosion took place.

Issuing evacuation orders and canceling classes, the university later explained that the explosion occurred at a manhole.

“TechAlert! There is a power outage on the Texas Tech University campus in Lubbock affecting multiple areas,” theuniversity wroteat 7:30 p.m. local time on Wednesday. “Additionally, we are evacuating the Engineering Key due to a gas odor. Please follow evacuation instructions if you are in the area, and stay tuned for updates.”

Photos of the incident showed a large green flame flaring from a manhole cover.

A green flame flares out of a manhole cover at Texas Tech University.KCBD NewsChannel 11/Youtube

KCBD NewsChannel 11/Youtube

At 9:34 p.m., the campus andTexas Police Departmentshared, “An explosion at a manhole has affected multiple locations on the Texas Tech campus, causing widespread power outages to both Texas Tech University and Health Sciences Center.”

The update continued, “The Engineering Key has been evacuated. We ask that the public avoid campus. More information will be provided as it becomes available.”

Texas Tech University.Getty

Getty

The Lubbock Fire Rescue also confirmed in apress releasethat they responded to an alert of a possible gas leak at around 7:00 p.m.

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The fire department added that no injuries were reported and they were continuing to assist the university amid the incident.

Aerial views of Texas Tech University.Alamy

Alamy

“At this time, evacuations are isolated to certain areas on campus,” the statement concluded. “There is no need to evacuate the area if you are not on the campus.”

Texas Tech University confirmed in an update at 10:12 p.m. that the university is closed on Thursday, March 13, and Friday, March 14.

The university added that Spring Break, which was meant to start on Monday, would “begin immediately.”

“Students residing in on-campus residence halls are encouraged to delay departure until daylight Thursday morning,” they wrote.

Confirming that the “power remains out on campus,” the university instructed students and employees to avoid the Engineering Key and employees were also asked to avoid returning to the campus to collect their items until further notice.

source: people.com