Neon green flames erupt in manhole explosion on Texas Tech campus, forces evacuation and canceled classes
On Wednesday, the Texas Tech campus in Lubbock had to evacuate after an explosion coming from a manhole caused multiple fires and power outages.
The students at Texas Tech University were given a scare on Wednesday as the campus experienced multiple fires and a power outage, forcing an evacuation and canceled classes for the rest of the week. The university later explained that an explosion which came from a manhole under maintenance caused the fires. Videos circulating on social media show a chemical-green-colored fire coming from various manholes.
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.
— Texas Tech University (@TexasTech) March 13, 2025
What caused the manhole explosion at Tech?
On Thursday, the power began to come back on campus, though students have been advised to avoid the area where the explosion occurred, which was at the Engineering Key section of campus.
At around 7 p.m. on Wednesday, firefighters arrived after reports of a possible gas leak. Lubbock Fire Rescue Capt. Jon Tunnell said they found “multiple manhole covers with active fire and smoke issuing from them”. Fortunately, no injuries were reported.
Green chemical-colored flames seen emerging from manholes and other ground openings across Texas Tech tonight, as Campus authorities have ordered the evacuation of several buildings and sections of the University following some kind of explosion at a nearby electrical substation. pic.twitter.com/Z99TmQ6Da1
— OSINTdefender (@sentdefender) March 13, 2025
The power was shut down on the entire campus while repairs began and Texas Tech spokesperson Caitlynn Jeffries said that all public and unofficial personnel were asked to avoid campus. An alert was sent out to the campus community and the students were told they could go ahead and go home for spring break. Students who live on campus were secured rooms off-campus for the time being.
Deputy chief of Lubbock Fire Rescue Nick Wilson explained that the different colors of the fire and smoke were likely due to metal and copper burning. At the moment, it’s still unclear what caused the explosion.
“It’s going to be some time before we have answers,” Wilson said.
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