Five people escaped without injury when their train was derailed by sleepers placed on the line by vandals. The First North Western 0535 GMT service from Liverpool to Wigan came off the track at Carr Mill, St Helens, Merseyside, at about 0615 GMT on Saturday.
The front wheel of the two-carriage train was derailed but the vehicle remained upright.
Three passengers and a guard on board were unhurt but the driver was treated for shock.
First North Western said the line would require at least 12 hours of repair work and was likely to remain closed until Sunday morning.
Denise Lennox, commercial director, said: "Thankfully no-one was physically injured but the driver was understandably very shocked.
"The British Transport Police has declared the area a crime scene as there is evidence to suggest the sleepers were placed on the tracks by vandals."
People wanting to check if their train is still running were told to call 08457 48 49 50.
One-Minute World News 
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