At approximately 6pm on Thursday the 17th of July 2008 an unknown type explosion was reported to the Delaware County 911 center. The Margaretville Fire Department responded to find the residence of Florence Mathis completely consumed by flames. Bystanders report hearing a loud explosion and the debris patterns at the scene support that there was a massive explosion which led to the fire at 423 Beeman Hill Road in Margaretville. Mrs. Mathis, the owner of the structure, was inside at the time of the explosion and perished in the fire. The Margaretville Fire Department in conjunction with the Delaware County Fire investigation team, New York State Office of Fire Prevention and Control and the Delaware County Sheriffs Office are currently investigating the cause of the explosion