Human Interest 'Gender Reveal' Explosion Sends 'Earth-Shaking,' 'God-Awful Blast' Through N.H. Towns: 'Ridiculous' The Kingston Police Department confirmed that 80 lbs. of tannerite exploded during a party to reveal the sex of a baby By Joelle Goldstein Joelle Goldstein Instagram Twitter Joelle Goldstein is the Staff Editor of TV for PEOPLE Digital. She has been with the brand for five years, beginning her time as a digital news writer, where she covered everything from entertainment news to crime stories and royal tours. Since then, she has worked as a writer-reporter on the Human Interest team and an associate editor on the TV team. In her current role, Joelle helps oversee all things TV, and enjoys being able to say she has to watch The Kardashians, America's Got Talent, Love Is Blind and Dancing with the Stars for her "work" responsibilities. Prior to joining PEOPLE, Joelle was employed at The Hollywood Reporter, where she was co-nominated at the 2019 GLAAD Media Awards for Outstanding Magazine Article for feature cover story. She graduated from Ithaca College with a Bachelor's degree in Television-Radio (and an appearance in the NCAA Women's Volleyball Final Four!) People Editorial Guidelines Published on April 22, 2021 04:21 PM Share Tweet Pin Email The Kingston Police Department in New Hampshire. Photo: Google Maps A massive explosion that rocked a number of New Hampshire towns this week was due to a "gender reveal" party, according to authorities. In a press release obtained by PEOPLE, the Kingston Police Department confirmed the incident, which unfolded at the site of Kingston construction company Torromeo Industries. Police said they received a call around 7 p.m. on Tuesday concerning a "large explosion" on Dorre Road. After arriving at the scene, officers were able to determine that the explosion was caused by approximately 80 lbs. of tannerite, an "an over-the-counter, explosive target used for firearms practice [and] sold in kit form," according to their release. Authorities said the individuals on site reported that they had been having a party to reveal the sex of their baby, and decided to detonate the tannerite near Torromeo's quarry — a place they felt was a safe location. When 'Gender Reveals' Are Dangerous: 7 Parties That Took a Tragic Turn According to NBC affiliate WBTS, police believe the individuals had permission to be on the property. Torromeo Industries did not immediately respond to PEOPLE's request for comment. Several Kingston residents spoke with WBTS after the blast and described it as "earth-shaking." "We heard this god-awful blast," Sara Taglieri, who lives near the quarry, told the outlet. "It knocked pictures off our walls." "It cracked foundations of our neighbors' [homes]," added her husband, Matt Taglieri. A number of other people in surrounding towns as far south as the Merrimack Valley also said they felt the blast, with one resident in the town over from Kingston even capturing it on their doorbell camera, WBTS reported. RELATED VIDEO: Man Accidentally Kicks Ball Into Neighbor's Yard During Sex Reveal In the wake of the explosion, many turned to social media to ask what had happened, according to the outlet. Some suggested it was due to an earthquake — a theory that WBTS said was quickly debunked by their meteorologists. When police later confirmed it was due to a sex reveal party, the Kingston residents were in disbelief. 'Gender Reveal Inventor' Tells Others to 'Stop' the 'Stupid Parties' After Bash Sparks Wildfire "Are you kidding me? I'm all up for silliness and whatnot, but that was extreme," Sara told WBTS. "It was ridiculous. I don't have any other words for it." The Kingston Police Department said the individual who bought and detonated the tannerite has since turned himself in and is cooperating with authorities. At this time, it is unclear if that person will face any charges for the incident. Police said the investigation underway will help them "make a determination on what charges will be forthcoming."