LUBBOCK, Texas (KCBD) - The state fire marshal's office found the cause of the manhole fires and explosion on the Texas Tech campus was accidental.
KCBD obtained documents from the Texas Department of Insurance surrounding the state's fire marshal's office investigation into the incident on the Tech campus back in March.
According to the report, the initial spark came from an underground electrical line that was submerged in water in the underground vault. The water exposure caused a series of faults and malfunctions in the underground wiring system leading to a "smoke explosion," which resulted in the complete failure of the electrical system.
The state's report shows investigators and authorities used social media videos to help with the response and to better understand what was happening on campus.
Reports of smoke and fire were first reported on March 12 at 6:57 p.m. those originated from a manhole cover on the north end of the Engineering Key. Another manhole fire was reported at 8:03 p.m. that one was located near the Rawls College of Business. Minutes later, an explosion was reported in a manhole north of Brandon Station on campus.
It took a day to clear gases from the manholes. Investigators were able to enter the underground electrical vault on March 14, when they tested the air and found that is was normal.
Once the investigation concluded, state investigators said in their professional opinion this event was solely an issue with the underground electrical service. Power that fuels the underground tunnels' vaults and piping is supplied by Lubbock Power & Light.
KCBD reached out to the LP&L regarding this report. LP&L released the following statement: