When will Texas Tech reopen after campus fires, explosions? Here is what we know

A lot remains unknown days after an explosion and green fires rocked the Texas Tech University campus Wednesday, March 12, prompting a widespread power outage, campus closure and an early start to spring break.

That night, green flames erupted from manholes around the north and eastern portions of campus, and an explosion occurred at the campus substation. This caused campus-wide power outages, which were still impacting the campus by Tuesday as crews continued working to evaluate and repair utilities.

More: Texas Tech, Lubbock officials share early timeline of campus overnight fires, explosion

Following the events, campus and city officials have provided a brief timeline of the night’s events but have not stated a reason why they occurred, and state officials are still conducting an investigation.

Even though much is still unknown, here is what we know and Texas Tech University’s current status.

Texas Tech remains closed, plans unknown after spring break

According to the Office of the Provost, the campus remains open to personnel involved in the university repairs and campus tours. However, employees have been directed to work remotely from March 14 to March 20.

Texas Tech has also asked the public to continue to monitor the university’s social media accounts, TechAlert! and the Provost’s website for updates on returning to campus after spring break.

With much of the Engineering Key remaining without power as crews work to reenergize the campus, the university also released a list of buildings closed to the public:

What to do if you need to get something from campus?

Employees and students are asked to contact 806-742-4OPS (4677) to arrange a time to be escorted into the building.

When will power be restored at Texas Tech?

At a news conference on March 13, officials stated that crews are trying to restore power to the Engineering Key after the fires, but several hurdles prevent them from doing so.

Matt Rose, Lubbock Power & Light’s chief public affairs officer, said crews had been able to restore power on 60% of the campus but are waiting for safety clearance to do so on the other 40%.

“The processes is causing rolling outages across campus. Please continue to avoid campus buildings outside the prescribed time to enter, and do not attempt to work from or come to campus,” states the university.

What caused the fires and explosions at Texas Tech?

At the March 13 news conference, officials said that it’s still early in the investigation to determine what caused the events, but they stated that the green fire may have been caused by copper in the manholes burning, giving it a green color.

Officials also confirmed that the State Fire Marshal’s Office is leading the investigation, with the federal Bureau of Alcohol, Tobacco, Firearms, and Explosives assisting.

University officials are asking students, employees and the public to monitor university social media accounts and TechAlert! as more information is given in the coming days.

Mateo Rosiles is the Government & Public Policy reporter for the Lubbock Avalanche-Journal. Got a news tip for him? Email him: mrosiles@lubbockonline.com.

This article originally appeared on Lubbock Avalanche-Journal: Texas Tech reopening plans still uncertain after campus fires, explosion