A powerful explosion at Texas Tech University sent green flames shooting out of a manhole before a massive fire broke out, leading to evacuations and class cancellations.
The incident happened on Wednesday evening, causing panic on campus. Video footage captured the dramatic moment when bright green flames burst from the ground, followed by thick black smoke and intense fire. The university quickly issued evacuation orders for multiple buildings and later decided to cancel classes for the rest of the week.
Explosion and Emergency Response
At around 8:45 p.m., the university sent an alert to students and staff, initially describing the explosion as happening at a substation. However, a later update confirmed that the fire had started in a manhole.
Firefighters rushed to the scene, where they found smoke and flames emerging from multiple manholes. Lubbock Fire Rescue Captain Jon Tunnell confirmed that no injuries had been reported. However, officials were still working to determine the cause of the explosion.
To ensure safety, the university announced that power would be shut down across the entire campus while crews worked on repairs. Caitlynn Jeffries, a spokesperson for the university police, urged students to leave for spring break early. Faculty and staff were also asked to work remotely until further notice.
Speculations on the Cause
People on social media speculated that the bright green flames could have been caused by an electrical fire burning copper wires. One person commented, “It’s probably an electrical fire burning copper—dangerous, but not necessarily toxic.” Another user shared advice from an electrical engineer, saying, “Copper burns green, but don’t breathe in the smoke.”
While no official cause has been confirmed, firefighters are investigating whether an electrical issue or gas leak triggered the explosion.
Students’ Reactions and Campus Impact
The sudden fire disrupted many students’ schedules, with some caught in the middle of exams. One parent shared on Facebook that their son was taking a chemistry exam when the professor told everyone to evacuate. Fortunately, he was able to stay at his sister’s house in a nearby town.
Another student experienced a frightening moment when she got out of an elevator just as the power went out. “First it was no hot water, then the heater stopped working, and now this,” she wrote.
The university’s Lubbock campus, home to over 40,000 students, spans 1,800 acres in West Texas. Officials are now assessing the damage and working on restoration efforts.
Conclusion
The manhole explosion at Texas Tech University was a shocking event that led to evacuations, class cancellations, and a full campus power shutdown. Although the cause is still under investigation, the incident highlights the importance of campus safety measures. Thankfully, no one was injured, and officials are working to restore normalcy as soon as possible.
