A substation explosion at Texas Tech has resulted in power disruptions affecting both the main campus and Health Sciences Centre.
Emergency services are present at the university campus, where visible smoke has been observed in the air. Following the incident reports, the Texas Tech Health Sciences Center implemented precautionary evacuation measures.
According to Lubbock Fire Rescue, no injuries have been reported from the explosion, though the site remains active.
As the authorities investigate, Lincoln Fire and Rescue responded to alerts about a gas leak within the Engineering Key area at around 7 pm (local time). Upon arrival, the response team discovered several manholes emitting smoke and flames, as reported by NBC affiliate channel KCBD.
Officials evacuated the Engineering Key and HSC facilities while the Texas Tech library ceased operations at 9.20 pm (local time). “This is an emergency notification from Texas Tech University in Lubbock. An explosion at a substation has caused power outages at Texas Tech University and Health Sciences Center. The Engineering key has been evacuated. We ask that the public avoid the campuses.,” said the university in a statement on X.
Later the University described an explosion at a manhole, while urging caution. The exact cause is under investigation as authorities take control of the situation.
Soon after the incident, it further declared an early commencement of Spring Break, with the university closing for the following two days. “TechAlert! Texas Tech 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,” it said in a later post on X.
However, Texas Tech police advised students to delay their Spring Break departure until morning for safety with regards to travelling at night.
Authorities are expected to hold media briefing to provide updates about the incident, and the public has been instructed to keep away from the affected area.
