Explosion disrupts Texas Tech University with fires and power outages

On March 12, 2025, an explosion occurred inside a maintenance hole on the Texas Tech University campus located in Lubbock, Texas. This event prompted the Lubbock Fire Rescue to respond to multiple reports concerning potential gas leaks. Firefighters arrived around 7 p.m. and discovered several manhole covers erupting with flames and smoke. Although no injuries were reported, the situation was declared 'very active' by fire department officials as they worked to control the flames. The explosion triggered widespread power outages across both Texas Tech University and the nearby Health Sciences Center. In response, the university decided to issue evacuation orders for a number of buildings, particularly in the Engineering Key section of the campus, which suffered the most significant disturbance. The incident led to the immediate cancellation of classes for the remainder of the week and the commencement of an early Spring Break for students. Witnesses described a dramatic scene, with one doctoral student reporting that he saw a smoke ring traveling approximately 200 feet into the air following the explosion. As students and faculty evacuated, those in the vicinity were advised to avoid the area and remain vigilant regarding further developments. As power was shut down throughout the campus for repairs, officials worked diligently to ensure everyone’s safety. The exact cause of the explosion remains under investigation, but the aftermath included a heavy presence of emergency responders on campus tackling the blaze. The university's spokesperson indicated that public access to the grounds was severely restricted while fire investigation and restoration efforts were underway. This incident underscored the importance of campus safety and the need for proper maintenance of underground facilities to prevent such dangerous occurrences in the future.