More than 600 members of the New York National Guard are participating in a five-day training exercise including responding to a simulated train crash.

The training is scheduled to start Monday at the state’s Preparedness Training Center in Oriskany, near Utica.

Some 200 National Guard soldiers and airmen from New Jersey and Puerto Rico also will participate.

The exercise will feature scenarios including a simulated train accident that causes hazardous material to contaminate local communities.

Gov. Andrew Cuomo says the event will ensure Guard personnel have the skills and experience to respond to a disaster.

(AP)