A powerful explosion rocked Texas Tech University (TTU) Wednesday evening, igniting fires, triggering widespread power outages, and prompting emergency evacuations. The incident, which occurred near the Engineering Key, also impacted the Texas Tech Health Sciences Center (TTUHSC), forcing both campuses to shut down and leading officials to cancel classes ahead of spring break.
Explosion and Immediate Aftermath
Shortly after 7 p.m., Lubbock Fire Rescue (LFR) responded to reports of a possible gas leak near the Engineering Key. Minutes later, a massive explosion sent thick plumes of black smoke into the sky, startling students and faculty across campus. Multiple manhole covers were seen emitting smoke and fire, confirming the severity of the situation.
LFR Captain Jon Tunnell described the event as a significant emergency requiring immediate action. “This remains a very active scene as crews continue to assist Texas Tech University in mitigating this emergency,” Tunnell said during a Wednesday night news conference.
By 7:40 p.m., emergency responders had cut electricity to the campus to prevent further damage and reduce the risk of additional explosions. LFR worked quickly to contain multiple fires sparked by the blast, successfully extinguishing them by 9:09 p.m.
Despite the intensity of the explosion and subsequent fires, no injuries have been reported.
Campus Closures and Evacuations
As a precaution, authorities evacuated students and faculty from affected buildings, urging them to avoid the Engineering Key area. Although residence halls were reopened by late Wednesday night, Texas Tech officials advised students to delay travel until morning for safety reasons.
Campus-wide power outages remain a significant issue, particularly for buildings without backup generators. Officials have not provided an estimated timeline for full power restoration, leaving some students and faculty in limbo.
In an official TechAlert, university officials instructed employees not to return to campus until further notice. Due to safety concerns and the need for infrastructure inspections, classes were canceled for Thursday and Friday, effectively beginning spring break early.
Ongoing Investigation and Infrastructure Concerns
Authorities have yet to determine the exact cause of the explosion, though initial reports indicate a possible gas leak as a contributing factor. Emergency personnel are conducting structural assessments, particularly in the university’s underground tunnel system, to rule out further hazards.
TTU President Lawrence Schovanec issued a statement late Wednesday, reassuring the campus community that a thorough safety check is underway. “Electricity and gas were shut down across both the Texas Tech and Health Sciences Center campuses to keep the fire from spreading further,” Schovanec said. “Campus infrastructure is being thoroughly checked for safety as power comes back online.”
Lubbock Power & Light (LP&L) crews remain on-site, working with emergency responders to assess damage and restore services as quickly as possible.
Community Response and Student Impact
In response to the emergency, some local businesses extended their hours to provide shelter and charging stations for students in need. Restaurants near the campus welcomed students, offering a safe place to wait out the power outage.
Meanwhile, student residents of Sneed Hall faced additional disruption when the dormitory was evacuated around 9:36 p.m. Officials later allowed students to return to their residence halls by 11:11 p.m., though uncertainty remains regarding ongoing power outages.
What’s Next?
As the investigation continues, Texas Tech officials urge students, faculty, and Lubbock residents to stay clear of the affected areas. Updates will be provided via TechAlerts and official university communications.
Key unanswered questions include:
What caused the explosion?
Was it directly linked to the reported gas leak?
How long will it take to restore power across campus?
Will classes resume as scheduled after spring break?
For now, university officials remain focused on ensuring campus safety, stabilizing the power grid, and determining the root cause of the explosion. The community will be watching closely as investigators work to uncover the full story behind this alarming event.
