A manhole explosion at Texas Tech University in Lubbock, Texas triggered widespread fires, power outages, and a full campus evacuation on Wednesday night, forcing officials to cancel classes for the remainder of the week.

Emergency crews responded around 7 p.m. local time to what was initially reported as a gas leak. Upon arrival, firefighters discovered fire and smoke erupting from multiple manhole covers across campus, suggesting a possible underground electrical or gas-related explosion.

By 8:45 p.m., university officials issued an emergency alert ordering evacuations of multiple buildings. The incident prompted a complete power shutdown across campus, affecting dormitories, academic buildings, and facilities.

University spokesperson Caitlynn Jeffries announced, "You can go ahead and go home for Spring Break. We are closing school down for the next couple of days." Officials indicated repairs could take several days to complete.

Despite the severity of the explosion, no injuries have been reported. The Lubbock Fire Department continues to investigate the cause, which may be linked to electrical failure, gas leak, or other infrastructure issues.

Students and faculty have been advised to avoid campus until further notice while emergency crews work to assess damage and restore power. The investigation remains ongoing, with updates expected as new information becomes available.

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