I have a good friend that is getting her doctorate in the Math department at Texas Tech. It broke my heart to read her Facebook update this morning:

The math department was hit hard by the explosion in Tech Terrace last night. One of our instructors [Dr. Rodica Gelca] was killed and her husband, a professor in our department as well, is in critical condition.

According to everythinglubbock.com, the explosion happened in the 2900 block of 21st Street just before 10 p.m. on Tuesday, March 27. Others were killed or hurt in the fire, including John Fleming, who died at the scene. Two neighbors and three firefighters were injured as well.

Dr. Gelca lived in a neighboring house and died trying to extinguish the fire, according to a press release from Lubbock Fire Rescue.

We all know Tech Terrace as the whimsical, gorgeous and historic neighborhood that is home to many Texas Tech faculty.  But the loss of a house is nothing compared to the loss of life and the injuries sustained.

If you would like to help the family of Dr. Rodica Gelca and her injured husband, please contribute at GoFundMe. They have a goal of $5,000.

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