Transformer explosion at Indian Point nuclear power plant outside New York City

© Reuters / Mike Segar
The Indian Point nuclear power plant in Buchanan, New York, is seen from across the Hudson River.

    

A transformer exploded at the Indian Point nuclear plant, 38 miles (61 km) north of New York, causing visible fire and black smoke. The plant's operator had to shut down one of the reactors but assured the emergency caused no threat to public safety.

Unit 3 of the nuclear plant, which is located on the east bank of the Hudson River, was automatically shut down following Saturday's accident, the plant's operator Entergy Corp has said.

Large transformer explosion at Indian Point Nuclear Power Plant. Several Westchester County units on scene operating http://pic.twitter.com/thmY8uNKsv

— RocklandFires (@RocklandFires) May 9, 2015

According to the company, the nuclear reactor was not damaged and there was

Indian Point safely shut down following transformer failure outside of nuclear side of plant; No danger to public health and safety.

— Indian Point Energy (@Indian_Point) May 9, 2015

Witnesses posted alarming images of smoke billowing from the plant on social media, saying it followed a large blast and fire.

tweeted Gustavus Gricius, a witness near the scene.

The plant's Unit 2 reactor has continued operating and the fire was put out by the automatic sprinkler system and on-site personnel, Entergy Corp spokesman Jerry Nappi told Reuters. No people were reported injured.

Nappi confirmed that the transformers are located some 100 meters from the reactors inside the security zone. Nuclear Safety Project director Dave Lochbaum also downplayed the potential for danger caused by the accident, telling NBC New York that

Indian Point's 1,031-megawatt Unit 3 had just been brought back online on Friday, after being shut down for a steam leak repair. The plant dates back to 1962, although the currently used reactors were installed later in the 70s.

The Indian Point Energy Center produces some 25 percent of New York City's and Westchester's electricity. The combined power generated by the two units amounts to over 2000 megawatts. The facility employs some 1,600 people.

The plant has been a subject of controversy due to its proximity to NYC. Several environmental groups have been calling for Indian Point's permanent shutdown for years. It also has a history of transformer accidents and various leaks, including a 2012 explosion in the main transformer that spilled oil into the river and caused Entergy to pay a fine of a $1.2 million.