Times Square Bomb Scare Affects Some Broadway Shows

Only sketchy details are available at the moment, but local New York news stations including ABC and CBS are reporting that police closed off a portion of Times Square this evening at around 6:35pm and evacuated the immediate area due to a bomb scare. 

Streets were closed on Broadway from 44th to 47th which they are reporting resulted in delays for multiple (unspecified) Broadway shows this evening.

A car fire is said to have started in an SUV that was parked on 45th street, west of Broadway. It's been reported that the vehicle, whose license plates didn't match the car was driven into Times Square with its lights flashing and then abandoned by the driver. It's also said to have had a suspicious package in the back seat, which is now reported to be containing propane and/or black powder.

Update 8:45 PM: At this time, Twitter reports are stating that many shows in the area are still expected to go on as scheduled or late.

Update 9:10 PM: The Times Square EarthCam shows the area still closed as of 9:10 pm EST while the bomb squad investigates. 

Telecharge is advising any customers who were unable to get to their shows this evening that their tickets can be traded in for those at a later date (Tuesday-Thursday) which can be arranged by contacting Telecharge tomorrow morning.

Update 9:15 PM: CBS News is reporting that police are advising that Times Square will not open again until approximately 10pm. Apparently no bomb was found, but police did 'blow out' the windows of the SUV to investigate.

CBS has also reported that The Lion King has been cancelled for the evening.

Update 9:30 PM: Vehicle and foot traffic is still blocked off and police are still saying that the area will be closed until at least 10:00pm.

Update 10:00 PM: To answer those who have been writing in, there is absolutely nothing to indicate that all shows will not run as scheduled tomorrow (Sunday). Times Square has not yet re-opened.

Many shows did indeed still play this evening, Rock of Ages star Constantine Maroulis has tweeted that "No b*mb...all good. Jus a lil' scare in Times Sq. Car overheated and caught fire. All good @RockOfAges"

Update 10:30 PM: It's been reported that shows which have ended in the Times Square area have been instructed to hold their audiences in the theatres.

Update 11:00 PM: Times Square is still closed with what's said to be a suspected car bomb, with no one being allowed in or out at the current time.

Update 11:15 PM: Times Square is still closed and multiple news sources are reporting that indeed propane tanks and black powder was found in the vehicle which explains why streets have not been re-opened. Some Broadway shows, including Lend Me a Tenor have begun to exit, using 8th avenue exists.

Update 11:30 PM: Reuters is now reporting that according to a fire department source, flammable materials including 3 propane tanks, gasoline, black powder and 'burned wires' have been found in the car and the investigation is still continuing. Mounted police are now extending the perimeter of the area that's been closed down from 47th street to 48th street.

Update 12:00 AM: No new news to report at the current time. Times Square does remain closed with no current estimated time being given by police on when exactly it will re-open to tourists attempting to leave or enter the area.

Update 12:15 AM: New Yorkers who are *not* in the area have been urged by the city to stay home and not attempt to 'get a closer look' as they're attempting to minimizing crowds in the area. Otherwise, there is no other information to report on this time and no word on when the area will re-open.

More updates to come in the morning as they're available.