Texas Tech explosion forces early spring break

LUBBOCK, Texas (KLBK/KAMC) - An explosion at a substation at Texas Tech University caused power outages Wednesday evening, according to a TechAlert.

Authorities said the explosion happened inside a manhole at the campus' Engineering Key. No injuries were reported.

Texas Tech said spring break will begin immediately. It was originally scheduled to start on Monday. Students were urged to check their emails for additional information. Power remained out on campus Wednesday night. TTU said barricades were removed around 11:00 p.m. and students were allowed back to gather their belongings.

The campus will remain closed for faculty and staff on Thursday and Friday.

Multiple areas on campus were affected by power outages. The TechAlert said the Engineering Key was evacuated due to a gas odor.

The Texas Tech University Health Science Center, where power outages were reported, was vacated on Wednesday out of caution for the ongoing event on campus.

Lubbock Fire Rescue responded to multiple fires on the Texas Tech campus. According to LFR, crews responded to a possible gas leak around 7:00 p.m. Firefighters arrived and found smoke and fire coming from multiple manhole covers. Officials said they would provide additional information as it becomes available.

Evacuations were isolated to certain areas on campus.

Lubbock Power & Light said crews were working with other agencies to fix the issue as quickly and safely as possible.

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