Texas Tech and Tech’s Health Sciences Center are undergoing a power outage after a manhole explosion occurred at LP&L Brandon Power Station. Major roadways across campus are blocked.

As of 9:09 p.m. all fires have been contained, but on-campus locations without generators are still without electricity. The outage is expected to last 6-8 hours, on-site officials said, all students should close all windows. 

At 9:27 p.m., the Fire Chief said the department is working to ensure students do not overheat as boilers are down and cool air and water is not available. They are also working to evacuate all disabled individuals. 

There has not been an all-clear notification as the department is receiving natural gas readings from, “places we should not be,” and a larger issue may be happening. 

A gas leak is what prompted the immediate evacuation of the Engineering Key at 7:40 p.m. Officials have not deemed the area safe yet.