Queens
This is a representational image, of a general view of Arthur Ashe Stadium is seen as the sun sets on Day Four of the 2016 US Open at the USTA Billie Jean King National Tennis Center in the Queens borough of New York City, Sept. 1, 2016. Getty Images/ Mike Stobe

UPDATE: 10:35 p.m. EST- The New York Police Department said the fire at Con Ed power plant on Thursday as a result of an explosion was brought under control. There were no reported injuries.

“Authorities are responding to large explosion & fire at a ConEd facility located near 21st Ave & 24th St. No injuries or evacuations have been immediately reported. Smoke is reportedly visible from a distance. Expect localized disruptions as firefighters respond to this incident,” New York City Council Speaker Corey Johnson tweeted.

Costa Constantinides, New York City Council member told the residents of New York that the explosion “might affect air quality in the area” and that “31st Street near 20th ave” should be avoided.

According to a Con Ed utility power map, around 50 customers in New York were affected due to the power plant explosion as of 9:50 p.m. EST. However, the numbers could go up as the night progresses.

"Due to a power outage in Queens, there is partial flight operations @LGAairport. Many flights are departing, some are not. Please check flight status with carrier," LaGuardia Airport tweeted.

Original story:

People in New York reported witnessing the sky turn bright blue on Thursday, which was confirmed moments later to be the result of a transformer explosion at a substation on the 1700 block of 31st Street in Astoria, Queens.

“Investigating a transformer explosion at Astoria East & North Queens Con Ed power plant. Please avoid 20th Ave & 31 st,” New York Police Department 114th Precinct tweeted.

The bright blue lights briefly made the night sky look like daytime as people from neighborhoods including Woodside and Astoria also reported seeing the change of color in the skies.

Some other users made light of the situation by bringing up examples from the movie "Ghostbusters":

Apart from the blue lights, people also reported power outages near the area. Among the affected was LaGuardia Airport in Queens, New York. Power was reportedly out in at least one of the terminals in the airport and passengers were not allowed to deplane from the aircraft that had landed at the tarmac.

According to New York Fire Department, all the operations at the airport were suspended and the facility was operating only on emergency power alone. Many people took to Twitter to share live updates of their ordeal:

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