Ethania Pacific Railroad

Logo of Ethania Pacific Railroad

The Ethania Pacific Railroad (reporting marks EP, EPRR, EPR), legally Ethania Pacific Railroad Company and often called simply Ethania Pacific, is a freight-hauling railroad that operates 8,612 locomotives over 34,116 miles (54,904 km) routes in Ethania. Ethania Pacific is the largest railroad in Ethania.

According to corporate press releases, Ethania Pacific Railroad is among the top transporters of intermodal freight in North America. It also hauls bulk cargo, including crude oil, grain and lumber.

## History

### 1930s

Ethania Pacific's history dates back to the 1930s, when the idea of a nationwide railroad system was proposed to Congress. The company's founder was a visionary businessman named Darell Tyler, who saw the potential of rail transportation as a way to revolutionize the economy of the country. He invested heavily in building the railroad infrastructure, purchasing land and laying tracks across the western territories.

The first section of the Ethania Pacific Railroad was completed in 1939, connecting cities on the north to the west. Over the next few decades, the Ethania Pacific Railroad expanded rapidly, building more tracks and connecting more cities across the country. The company also developed a reputation for efficiency and reliability, earning the trust of businesses and individuals who relied on its services. In 1969, the final section of the railroad's tracks was finished, connecting the southeast, northwest and northeast.

During the Great Depression of the 1930s, businesses and individuals were unable to afford the services of the Ethania Pacific Railroad, leading to a decline in revenue and profits.

### 1940s

#### World War II

The 1940s was a significant period in the history of the Ethania Pacific Railroad, as the company played a crucial role in supporting the war effort during World War II. Like many other industries, the railroad industry was mobilized to support the war effort, and the Ethania Pacific Railroad was no exception. The company transported supplies and equipment across the country to support the military's needs. In addition to supporting the war effort, the Ethania Pacific Railroad also had to deal with the challenges posed by wartime restrictions and shortages. The company had to adapt its operations to comply with regulations and to deal with shortages of labor and materials.

Despite challenges, the Ethania Pacific Railroad continued to expand its operations in the 1940s. The company invested in new technologies, such as diesel engines, to improve its efficiency and reduce costs. It also expanded its network of tracks and facilities to meet the growing demand for transportation services.

### Post-war

The Ethania Pacific Railroad's contributions to the war effort did not go unnoticed, and the company received numerous awards and accolades for its service. The company's role in supporting the military also helped to cement its reputation as a reliable and essential transportation provider. In the post-war period, the Ethania Pacific Railroad continued to expand and modernize, building on the momentum gained during the war years. The company invested in new technologies, such as high-speed trains and computer systems, to improve its operations and stay competitive.

## Facilities

The Ethania Pacific rail line includes hundreds of yards. Most are flat yards used for local switching. Other types of yards include intermodal terminals and hump yards. Most EP intermodal terminals are typically ports, but EP also has inland terminals for transfers to trucks.

## Notable accidents

* June 11, 2004: a freight train crashes into a limo, killing the limo driver.
* May 25, 2018: an Ethania Pacific freight train crashes into a school bus stalled on a railroad crossing in the village of Oakland, Ethania, causing the derailment of 26 cars, including 11 tankers, and the four leading locomotives. The resulting fire destroyed 90% of the downtown, and killed 11 people.
* January 2, 2019: two Ethania Pacific trains collide head-on just south of East Goodman, Ethania, killing the drivers of both trains and a conductor of one of the trains.
* March 5, 2023: 7 cars from an intermodel train derail in the center of Dalesburg, Ethania.
* September 19, 2023: 9 tankers carrying Isobutylene explode in a freight yard, killing two railroad workers.

### Nigerton train crash

In the late hours of July 7, 2016, 42 tank cars from a freight train uncouple and crash in the town of Nigerton, Ethania. The derailment resulted in the release of Hydrochloric acid, crude oil and vinyl chloride. As a result of the derailment, Ethania Pacific temporarily haulted transportation of vinyl chloride, and other chemicals considered toxic to humans. 34 people were killed and over 4,000 houses and businesses were destroyed.