Days after an explosion and eerie green flames erupted from manholes on the Texas Tech University campus, officials remain tight-lipped about the cause of the bizarre incident. The explosion, which rocked the university’s electrical substation on the night of March 12, led to widespread power outages, forcing an early start to spring break and an ongoing campus closure.
While investigations are still in progress, university and city officials have provided a general timeline of events but have yet to explain why they occurred. Crews are still working around the clock to restore power to affected buildings, and safety concerns continue to limit access to certain areas of campus.
Texas Tech’s Current Status: Closures and Uncertainty After Spring Break
As of now, Texas Tech remains closed to the general public, with only personnel involved in repair efforts and guided campus tours allowed on site. Most employees have been directed to work remotely until at least March 20.
University officials have advised students and staff to stay updated via the school’s social media accounts, TechAlert! notifications, and the Provost’s website for information on when normal operations might resume.
Several campus buildings remain closed due to power outages and ongoing safety concerns, including:
University Student Recreation Center
University Libraries
National Ranching Heritage Center (closed on March 17 and 21)
Campus Dining Services
Student Health Service (available via online portal for appointments)
Student Counseling Center (offering crisis help at 806-742-5555 and telehealth services)
Museum of Texas Tech University (closed on March 18)
For those needing access to retrieve personal items from campus, arrangements must be made by calling 806-742-4OPS (4677) to be escorted into the building.
Restoring Power: A Slow and Complex Process
Texas Tech’s power restoration efforts are proving to be a challenge. Crews have managed to restore electricity to approximately 60% of the campus, but the remaining 40%—including the heavily impacted Engineering Key—remains in the dark.
According to Matt Rose, Chief Public Affairs Officer for Lubbock Power & Light, workers are waiting for safety clearances before they can continue repairs. The process has led to rolling outages, making it difficult to predict when full power will be restored.
“The process is causing rolling outages across campus,” the university stated, urging students and staff to avoid campus buildings unless absolutely necessary.
What Caused the Fires and Explosion?
The most unsettling aspect of the incident is the unknown cause. The explosion at the electrical substation was accompanied by green flames erupting from manholes across the northern and eastern portions of campus.
At a news conference on March 13, officials suggested that burning copper in the underground electrical system may have caused the unusual green fire. However, they emphasized that the investigation is still in its early stages.
The Texas State Fire Marshal’s Office is leading the investigation, with assistance from the federal Bureau of Alcohol, Tobacco, Firearms, and Explosives (ATF). No further details have been provided on whether foul play, equipment failure, or other factors are suspected.
What Happens Next?
As the investigation unfolds, university officials are urging students, employees, and the public to stay informed through official communication channels. For now, Texas Tech remains partially shut down, and it is unclear whether the campus will be fully operational after spring break.
