CNN...just gave a statement
"Several blocks around New York's Times Square were closed to pedestrian and vehicular traffic Saturday night after a police officer saw smoke emanating from a box inside a parked car, according to authorities.
New York Police Department spokesman Paul Browne told CNN that the shutdown began after a foot patrol officer passed by a Nissan Pathfinder with Connecticut plates on 45th Street between and 7th and 8th Avenues. Browne said the officer noticed a box inside the car with smoke coming out.
Browne said officials at the scene were using a robot to search inside the car. The police department's public information office said the box and other items found in the search are not confirmed at this time to be a bomb.
The Marriott Marquee Hotel wasn't allowing anyone to enter or leave the hotel Saturday night, and at least one nearby restaurant, TGI Friday's, had closed to customers and was evacuating staff.
Lets hope its a false alarm......other news outlets are as you mentioned talking about propane tanks and stuff.......doesnt look good !