On April 14, 1907, northbound freight train No.23 of the New York Central and Hudson River Railroad, operating on the Rome and Richland branch of the former Rome, Watertown and Ogdensburg Railroad (later part of the New York Central) crashed when the bank on the lower side of the track failed and a section slid down the hill undermining the track.

The accident occurred approximately 2.5 miles south of Blossvale, a hamlet in the Oneida County, New York, town of Annsville.

The body of fireman Hartford was not recovered until two cranes were brought to the site to remove a box car and other debris.

[1] Despite his injuries, engineer Daring walked two miles to the closest station to report the accident.

[3] Until the track was reopened, passenger trains were rerouted over the Black River Railroad line.