Texas Tech University Campus Shuts Down Following Manhole Explosion and Subsequent Fires
Texas Tech University has announced the closure of its campus for the remainder of the week, including the entirety of the upcoming spring break, in response to a significant incident involving a manhole explosion that triggered a series of fires across the campus Wednesday evening. The event resulted in widespread power outages, building evacuations, and a campus-wide state of alert.
The incident began at approximately 7:00 p.m. with an explosion originating in a manhole located near the Engineering Key, a central academic area of the university. According to Caitlynn Jeffries, a public information officer for the Texas Tech Police Department, the initial explosion caused a power outage affecting both the main Texas Tech University campus and the adjacent Health Sciences Center.
Authorities responded swiftly to the situation, with both Texas Tech Police and Lubbock Fire Rescue personnel arriving on the scene to assess the extent of the damage and implement emergency protocols. A news conference was held late Wednesday evening, where officials urged the public to avoid the campus area as the situation remained active and potentially hazardous.
"We did evacuate the Engineering Key and were asking that all public and unofficial personnel please avoid campus at this time," Jeffries stated during the news conference, emphasizing the importance of keeping the area clear for emergency responders and investigators.
Lubbock Fire Rescue communicated through social media that no injuries had been reported as a result of the explosion and subsequent fires, a crucial detail that offered some reassurance amidst the unfolding chaos.
In a message disseminated to the campus community late Wednesday night, University President Lawrence Schovanec provided further details about the incident, confirming that an explosion had occurred within a tunnel on campus, resulting in a fire. He explained that the fire had spread, leading to the widespread power outages affecting both Texas Tech and the Health Sciences Center.
As a precautionary measure to prevent further escalation of the fire, electricity and gas services were shut down across both campuses in Lubbock. This decision, while disruptive, was deemed necessary to contain the blaze and minimize the potential for additional damage or danger.
President Schovanec conveyed positive news regarding the containment of the fire. "The fire was successfully extinguished Wednesday evening," he stated in his email. However, he emphasized that the cause of the explosion and subsequent fire remained under investigation. The university is committed to determining the precise sequence of events that led to the incident and implementing measures to prevent similar occurrences in the future.
Given the potential for lingering hazards and the need for a comprehensive assessment of the campus infrastructure, university officials made the decision to close the campus on Thursday, March 13, and Friday, March 14. This closure extends through the entirety of the upcoming spring break, providing ample time for thorough inspections and repairs.
All classes have been canceled for the duration of the campus closure, and all non-essential personnel have been instructed to work remotely if possible. This directive includes employees of the Texas Tech University System Administration. The Human Resources department will provide further guidance regarding specific work arrangements for affected employees.
President Schovanec’s email underscored the university’s commitment to the safety of its students, faculty, and staff. "To allow for the thorough check of campus infrastructure and ensure our campus community’s safety, we will close campus," he stated, reaffirming the prioritization of well-being in the decision-making process.
An emergency notification posted on the university’s website at 11:11 p.m. Wednesday provided additional updates, noting that power remained out across the campus. However, the notification also indicated that barricades were being removed, and students were being allowed to return to their residence halls.
The notification specifically cautioned individuals to continue avoiding the Engineering Key area, emphasizing that the area remained under investigation and potentially unsafe. Furthermore, employees were advised not to return to campus to retrieve their belongings until further notice, reflecting the university’s ongoing concern for safety and the need to avoid unnecessary risks.
The closure of Texas Tech University’s campus represents a significant disruption to the academic and administrative operations of the institution. However, the decision reflects a commitment to prioritizing the safety and well-being of the campus community. The university is taking proactive steps to thoroughly investigate the cause of the manhole explosion and subsequent fires, assess the extent of the damage to campus infrastructure, and implement necessary repairs and preventative measures.
While the immediate focus is on addressing the aftermath of the incident, the university will also be working to minimize the impact on students and faculty. Adjustments to the academic calendar and alternative learning arrangements may be considered to ensure that students can continue their studies with minimal disruption.
The events at Texas Tech University serve as a reminder of the potential for unexpected incidents to disrupt daily life and the importance of having robust emergency response plans in place. The university’s swift and coordinated response, involving the police department, fire rescue services, and administrative officials, helped to contain the situation and prevent injuries.
As the investigation into the cause of the explosion continues, the university community will be eager to learn the findings and understand the steps that will be taken to prevent similar incidents from occurring in the future. In the meantime, the focus remains on ensuring the safety and well-being of everyone on campus and restoring normal operations as quickly as possible.
Gabe Hauari, a national trending news reporter at USA TODAY, has been covering the unfolding situation at Texas Tech University. He can be followed on X @GabeHauari or contacted via email at [email protected] for further updates and information.
