The reverberation of the explosion was heard at North Shields, distant, where residents thought the shock was an earthquake. Gas lights in a Jarrow paper mill were blown out. Light debris from the fire was scattered across of Gateshead and environs. Miners in Monkwearmouth colliery, the deepest in the country and away, heard the explosion and came to the surface, concerned as to the cause. westward at Hexham; north at Alnwick; and south at Hartlepool the explosion was heard distinctly; and for out to sea. The light of the flames could be seen, reflected in the sky, away at Northallerton. And whilst the report of the explosion travelled so far, people on the scene were insensible of it. They describe themselves as having been lifted from their feet and dashed down, the violence completely stunning them; and when they awoke in a stupor they had only the dim idea of a rolling sound in their ears.