LUBBOCK, Texas — An explosion at Texas Tech University on Wednesday evening, March 12, 2025, has left the campus reeling with widespread power outages and evacuations as emergency crews respond to multiple reports of fires and gas odors from manholes.
According to reports from the Lubbock Fire Rescue (LFR) and the university's police department, the incident began around 7:00 p.m. when officials received alerts about gas odors emanated near the Engineering Key on campus. Approximately thirty minutes later, video footage captured dramatic scenes of green flames shooting from multiple manholes, triggering immediate emergency responses.
No injuries were reported as of Thursday morning, but students and staff were advised to avoid the affected areas. The situation escalated quickly, leading Texas Tech to announce the immediate commencement of Spring Break, originally set for March 17, 2025, effective immediately due to safety concerns.
“Students are encouraged to delay their departure for Spring Break until daylight,” said Texas Tech Police during the emergency updates, stressing safety precautions on travel after dark. The announcement confirmed campus will be closed on Thursday, March 13, and Friday, March 14, 2025, as investigations and repairs are conducted.
"An explosion occurred in one of the underground manholes near the Engineering Key, causing multiple fires and subsequent evacuations across the campus," explained Caitlynn Jeffries, Public Information Officer for Texas Tech Police. "We received reports around 7 p.m. and responded to the scene immediately." Emergency crews reported smoke and flames could be seen, prompting the university to shut down power to both the Texas Tech and Health Sciences Center campuses to prevent spreading the fire.
Lubbock Power & Light crews are on site, working closely with emergency responders to manage the situation safely and efficiently. By 11:00 p.m., barricades around the evacuated areas were removed, allowing students to return momentarily to gather their belongings, though they were warned to stay away from the Engineering Key, where evacuations were still underway.
The Texas Tech University Health Sciences Center, located next to the main campus, has also been vacated as precautionary measures taken by the university. Officials urged all individuals near campus to stay away during this investigation and containment process.
Texas Tech President Lawrence Schovanec sent out communications to the campus community after the incident, expressing gratitude for the swift action of emergency responders. He emphasized, "Electricity and gas were shut down across both the Texas Tech and Health Sciences Center campuses to keep the fire from spreading." Precautionary audits of campus infrastructure are being conducted, with teams checking for safety once power begins to be restored.
The exact cause of the explosions and fires remains under investigation. Emergency personnel continue to monitor the situation, assuring updates will be provided as they become available. "This remains an active scene with significant safety concerns," remarked LFR Capt. Jon Tunnell during a news conference. Crews were deployed after confirming the presence of smoke and fires issuing from several manholes throughout key areas on campus.
Students were reminded to remain vigilant and keep abreast of communications from the university as the details of the event develop. For those needing to remain on campus, arrangements to assist students will be made available over the coming days.
Texas Tech's existing Spring Break plans for later this month are now set to begin immediately after this emergency disruption, potentially easing the strain of students during this unforeseen incident.
The university is actively ensuring the safety and well-being of both their students and staff within this precarious situation, urging anyone with questions or requiring assistance to contact university personnel. More information and updates are available through tech alerts and the Texas Tech website.