(5MinNewsBreak.com) – Texas Tech University endured a frightening emergency situation after the campus was rocked by an explosion that sent green and yellow flames shooting out of manholes.
Watch the video down below.
The explosion took place inside a maintenance hole at Texas Tech University in Lubbock, causing fires and widespread power outages across the 1,800-acre campus.
University officials quickly responded by issuing evacuation orders for several buildings and canceling classes for the remainder of the week.
Spring break was immediately declared, allowing the university’s more than 40,000 students to leave campus while repairs took place.
The incident occurred in the campus’s Engineering Key section and the explosion was initially reported as a possible gas leak.
According to Lubbock Fire Rescue Captain Jon Tunnell, responders discovered “multiple manhole covers with active fire and smoke issuing from them.”
University police advised all public and unofficial personnel to avoid the campus while emergency response teams worked to contain the situation.
“You can go ahead and go home for spring break. We are closing school down for the next couple days,” stated university police department spokesperson Caitlynn Jeffries.
Power was shut down across the entire university for repairs, with Lubbock Power & Light working alongside other agencies to resolve the issue safely and quickly.
Despite the dramatic nature of the explosion, authorities reported no injuries from the incident—a fortunate outcome given the potential danger.
Witnesses described a remarkable scene as the explosion sent flames—including unusual green-colored flames—shooting from manholes across campus.
Doctoral student Robert Gauthreaux III observed the explosion and reported seeing a smoke ring.
Videos shared on social media captured the significant presence of firefighters and the visible fire and smoke coing out from at least one maintenance hole cover.
The Texas Tech University Health Science Center was also vacated as a precaution, though student residence halls were not initially evacuated.
Students were instead advised to avoid campus and leave if possible and to check their emails for further information.
Although power remained out, students were allowed back into residence halls, while employees were advised to stay away until further notice.
The cause of the explosion and the subsequent fire’s unusual green discoloration remain unknown.
The quick evacuation and emergency response demonstrate how quickly a normal academic day can turn into a potentially dangerous situation requiring immediate action.
Meanwhile, authorities continue to investigate what triggered the substation explosion.
BREAKING: Green flames rise from a manhole at Texas Tech Campus in Lubbock. Lubbock Fire Rescue says it’s responding to “multiple fires” on campus and buildings have been evacuated in the area – KCBD
— Insider Paper (@TheInsiderPaper) March 13, 2025
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