A transformer explosion at the Consolidated Edison energy company has lit up the skies over New York city, shocking witnesses and prompting wild theories ranging from an alien invasion to a Russian cyber-attack on the power grid.

Neon blue streaks that could be seen from miles away over the Astoria neighborhood have scared New Yorkers, who were quick to post pictures of the alien-like shining. Some reported hearing humming and an unusual, psychedelic glow of colors.

What is happening in queens?!!!! It’s humming and changing psychedelic colors... tons of sirens?!! pic.twitter.com/xkskHdzOxo — Juju Chang (@JujuChangABC) December 28, 2018

Equally alarmed by the phenomenon, the city's authorities dispatched police units and fire trucks to the Consolidated Edison energy company plant in Queens, to deal with "an apparent transformer explosion," Mayor Bill de Blasio tweeted, in an effort to quell public fears.

Also on rt.com Watch up close the transformer blaze turn the New York skyline blue (VIDEOS)

People describe hearing a boom, feeling a vibration and seeing the sky turn green. Again —we are told it was a transformer explosion at a @ConEdison building in Astoria, Queens. I’m heading in that direction with my @CBSNewYork crew. Will update here. pic.twitter.com/gdGCjVWVfS — Jessica Layton (@JLaytonTV) December 28, 2018

"There are no injuries reported," the New York fire department said, noting that the situation is under control.

Power Surge at the ConEd facility in Astoria. pic.twitter.com/Iehisp2klj — NYCFireWire (@NYCFireWire) December 28, 2018

The public is being advised to avoid the vicinity of the power plant on 20th Ave and 31st Street.

Flying into Newark and theres a huge green light emanating from upper Manhattan.. ANYONE KNOW WHAT THIS IS? 👽 pic.twitter.com/0Cz6hfoA3g — a𐐒Bi (@abbipress) December 28, 2018

"The lights you have seen throughout the city appear to have been from a transformer explosion at a Con Ed facility in Queens. The fire is under control, will update as more info becomes available," the NYPD said.

Explosion at the ConEd plant in Astoria. TL-117 confirming a fire at the facility pic.twitter.com/7g3vCmCQJx — NYCFireWire (@NYCFireWire) December 28, 2018

The NYPD was also quick to reassure the public that aliens have not invaded the Big Apple.

We assure you 👽👽👽 have not landed in the #Bronx. https://t.co/B23zHPut5M — NYPD 43rd Precinct (@NYPD43Pct) December 28, 2018

The scattered power outage has also interrupted traffic at LaGuardia Airport, with only certain flights allowed to depart.

I've never seen the Astoria Borealis before in my life. What a shock.... @ConEdisonpic.twitter.com/vrMfwkzWOa — Benjamin Passikoff (@benpassikoff) December 28, 2018

Despite a fairly simple explanation for the strange blue light, many thought that an alien invasion had finally arrived in New York City. Others claimed that cutting-edge US technology and modern infrastructure could not have failed without the meddling of Russian hackers.

How did Russian hackers and Susan Sarandon make the #ConEd transformer turn the sky blue in #Astoria ? — Bacon 4 President 🥓 It's Bacon! (@Bacon4Pres) December 28, 2018

Half-Life 3 finally confirmed in NYC??? pic.twitter.com/xOeyvgpfIe — Hunter Gerace (@Speady99) December 28, 2018

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