After a chaotic and unsettling week, Texas Tech University is set to reopen its campus on March 24, following a series of explosions and green fires that disrupted campus operations last week. The events led to an early start for spring break as university officials moved quickly to ensure safety and restore services.
In a statement released Tuesday, Texas Tech University confirmed that while some services remain affected, all systems are expected to be fully operational by the planned reopening date. "Crews are continuing their efforts to restore power and essential services, and we expect all systems will be fully operational by that time," read the university’s announcement.
The disruption began on the night of March 12, when explosions erupted at a campus substation, and green flames were seen coming from manholes around the northern and eastern parts of campus. The explosions, which caused power outages across the university, prompted the closure of campus facilities and an early start to spring break. As of Tuesday, some parts of the campus, particularly the Engineering Key area, remain without power as crews continue to repair damaged systems.
Despite the ongoing repair work, the university has reassured students and employees that the campus will open as scheduled on March 24. "Crews continue to reestablish electrical and gas services," Texas Tech said in its update.
Ongoing Recovery Efforts
Following the incidents, both campus and city officials have been working to assess the damage, although the cause of the fires and explosions remains under investigation. At a press conference on March 13, Matt Rose, the chief public affairs officer for Lubbock Power & Light, reported that 60% of campus power had been restored. However, several safety hurdles have delayed the restoration of power to the remaining 40%, leading to rolling outages across campus.
The university has advised students and staff to refrain from coming to campus, except for essential operations. "Please continue to avoid campus buildings outside the prescribed time to enter, and do not attempt to work from or come to campus," Texas Tech officials warned.
Campus personnel involved in repairs and those participating in campus tours are still allowed on site, but employees have been instructed to work remotely from March 14 to March 20.
Affected Facilities and Services
Several university facilities remain closed to the public as the campus recovers from the damage. The following services and buildings are not operational during the spring break:
University Student Recreation Centers
University Libraries
National Ranching Heritage Center (closed March 17 and 21)
Campus Dining Services
Student Union Building
Student Health Service (appointments available through the portal)
Student Counseling Center (crisis line available at 806-742-5555)
Students and employees needing to access campus buildings are advised to call 806-742-4OPS (4677) to arrange escorted access.
Investigation into the Cause of the Fires and Explosion
While the university and local officials continue to work on restoring campus operations, the cause of the fires and explosions remains under investigation. At the March 13 press conference, it was suggested that the green flames, which were visible in manholes around the campus, may have been caused by copper burning in the manhole covers. The State Fire Marshal's Office is leading the investigation, with assistance from the federal Bureau of Alcohol, Tobacco, Firearms, and Explosives (ATF).
University officials have urged students, employees, and the public to stay updated by monitoring the university's social media channels and the TechAlert! system for further information as the investigation continues.
