Transformer Fire At ConEd Lights Up The Astoria Sky

If you were sitting at home minding your own business Thursday night (like I was), you probably saw the lights flicker, and then the sky turn an eerie, pulsating teal over northern Astoria. In fact, you might have been as far away as the Rockaways or Stamford; that’s how far the bright blue explosion could be seen.

But it wasn’t aliens. It seems a transformer blew at the ConEd plant, and the NYPD reports that the ensuing fire is under control, though police are advising avoiding 20th Avenue and 31st Street for the time being. It also seems that LaGuardia’s power is out, and some flights may be delayed. Con Edison has confirmed it was an electrical transformer fire, and that they are still investigating the cause.

Some residents have also expressed concern about possible air quality issues, and Council Member Costa Constantinides has promised to keep the neighborhood posted. In addition, anyone who may have looked directly at the arc from a close distance during the explosion is advised to consider seeking some medical attention if they think they may be suffering from a flash burn.

As expected, Astorians are already making jokes about the transformer fire, calling it “Astoria Borealis” and likening it to those blue lights that always show up in Marvel movies, and from the looks of it, we definitely see the resemblance!

For now, it looks like things are under control, but we’ll keep you updated as the story develops.

UPDATE: Costa Constantinides has just tweeted that there are no air quality concerns as a result of the fire, and that the situation is still being monitored.

UPDATE 12/18: There are currently no reported power outages in the area, and ConEd reported no injuries as a result of the electrical fault. Though investigations are still underway, it looks like there was minimal damage!