Power is being restored at Texas Tech University following a Wednesday explosion inside a maintenance hole that called for evacuations and the cancellation of classes for the remainder of the week, according to university police.
In order to facilitate repair work and investigations, university officials had to evacuate the Engineering Key area and shut down electricity across the entire campus.
The explosion occurred around 6:57 p.m. on March 13 at the Engineering Key area of the campus in Lubbock. Texas Tech Police officers first responded to reports of smoke odors, prompting assistance from Lubbock Fire Rescue and the Texas Tech Fire Marshal's Office.
Firefighters responded around 7 p.m. after reports describing a possible gas leak. Upon arrival, crews saw "multiple manhole covers with active fire and smoke issuing from them," Lubbock Fire Rescue Capt. Jon Tunnell said during a media briefing Wednesday.
No injuries have been reported, according to Tunnell.
Deputy Chief Nick Wilson of Lubbock Fire Rescue said in an update Thursday that different colors of smoke seen coming from the manholes were likely due to copper and other metals burning underground.
"It's going to be some time before we have answers," Wilson said at a news conference.
Videos shared on social media showed firefighters responding to multiple manhole covers emitting fire and smoke.
Doctoral student Robert Gauthreaux III witnessed the explosion firsthand. He described hearing a loud noise followed by smoke.
Gauthreaux said after the explosion, he entered the nearby architecture building, which was without power, where he and others tried to help someone trapped inside an elevator.
Texas Tech Police spokesperson Caitlynn Jeffries said in a statement Wednesday that any non-essential personnel and members of the public should avoid the campus while repairs continue.
"You can go ahead and go home for spring break," Jeffries stated. "We are closing school down for the next couple days."
A few hundred off-campus rooms have also been secured for students who cannot stay in their dorms, according to Texas Tech University President Lawrence Schovanec.
The explosion has forced the cancellation of some upcoming events, including a Brooks & Dunn concert which was scheduled for Thursday evening at United Supermarkets Arena. The concert is postponed until March 20. Dining halls and other campus facilities remained closed through Friday.
Texas Tech University has approximately 40,000 students enrolled across its sprawling 1,800-acre campus located in West Texas.
The State Fire Marshal's Office is leading investigations into the cause of Wednesday's explosion. Multiple local agencies—including the Texas Department of Public Safety, Lubbock Police Department, Lubbock Fire Rescue, Lubbock Power & Light, Atmos Energy, and others—are assisting university police.