LUBBOCK, TX — Texas Tech Univeristy issued an evacuation warning on Wednesday night, March 12, due to an explosion at a substation and a manhole near the engineering key.
UPDATE: As of 10:23 p.m., Lubbock Fire Rescue says that no injuries were reported and that the scene remains active. The cause of the explosions and the fires at the manhole covers is still under investigation. Texas Tech University canceled classes on Thursday, March 13, and Friday, March 14. The university announced that Spring Break, initially scheduled for Monday, March 17, will begin immediately. Texas Tech also added that resources will be available to Texas Tech students currently living on campus and urges students to monitor the emergency alerts.
UPDATE: Texas Tech University released another update at 9:34 p.m.
"This is an emergency notification from the Texas Tech PD," the post read. "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 the public to avoid campus."
UPDATE: Texas Tech University issued an alert at 8:42 p.m. naming the cause of the power outages.
"This is an emergency notification from Texas Tech University in Lubbock," the tweet read. "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 the public to avoid the campuses."
At around 7:13 p.m. on Wednesday night, Texas Tech sent out an alert on social media describing a power outage that was affecting much of the campus.
"TechAlert! There is a power outage on the Texas Tech University campus in Lubbock affecting multiple areas. Updates will be provided as they're available," the alert read.
Another alert was sent out at around 7:30 p.m., stating that an evacuation was being implemented at the engineering key due to a gas odor in the area.
"There is a power outage on the Texas Tech University campus in Lubbock affecting multiple areas.," the alert said. "Additionally, we are evacuating the Engineering Key due to a gas odor. Please follow evacuation instructions if you are in the area, and stay tuned for updates."
Near 8 p.m., multiple fires were reported around campus. Some even had visible colored flames. "Lubbock Fire Rescue is actively responding to multiple fires on the Texas Tech Campus. The public is asked to avoid the area while crews mitigate this emergency," Lubbock Fire Rescue stated on social media.
This is a developing story. Further information will be provided as it becomes available.
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