On February 14, 1974, a blast was felt in Delhi from miles away in Oneonta in the evening, as the Delaware and Hudson railroad experienced a massive disaster. At about 5 p.m., seven of eight 100-ton propane gas tankers derailed about a mile southeast of Colliersville, over 20 miles from Delhi. The delayed explosion that occurred following the derailment unfortunately gave officials, responders and bystanders time to arrive at the scene, hence 56 people were injured as the explosion had not been anticipated.
The resulting blast was felt as far away as Margaretville. Injured included firefighters, D&H employees, news people and bystanders. The disaster that was felt in Delhi was described as "a mild blast of air and muffled sonic repercussions" with buildings actually trembling.