On Wednesday, multiple buildings at Texas Tech University, Lubbock, were evacuated after an explosion in a manhole near a substation triggered underground fires and widespread power outages, reports Texas Tribune.
At around 7 PM, emergency officials responded to reports of a gas leak and flames erupting from manholes near the campus. A university spokesperson later confirmed that an underground explosion near the Engineering Key prompted evacuations.
The blast disrupted power across the campus and affected the Texas Tech Health and Science Center. As repairs began, power was shut down across the university. Officials have yet to confirm if appointments at the health center will be impacted.
Texas Tech University took to its official X (formally Twitter) and said, “This is an emergency notification from the Texas Tech PD. An explosion at a manhole has affected multiple locations on the Texas Tech Campus, causing widespread power outages to both TTU and TTUHSC. The Engineering Key has been evacuated. We ask that the public avoid campus.”

The university encouraged the students to avoid campus if they were not already present and leave in the morning if they are able to do so. Further, the spring break for the Texas Tech students that was scheduled to start from coming Monday, March 17, was preponed as the university announced that it will be closed for the remainder of the week.
The university tweeted regarding the same. It said, “TechAlert! Texas University will be closed on Thursday, March 13, and Friday, March 14. Spring Break for students, originally scheduled to start Monday, will begin immediately. Check email for more information.”

However, as per reports, Texas Tech police advised students to delay their Spring Break departure until morning for safety with regards to travelling at night.
The exact cause is under investigation as authorities take control of the situation. Students are advised to be in contact with the university authorities for further updates.