GOV. RITTER PLEDGES THOROUGH INVESTIGATION OF CABIN CREEK TRAGEDY

Gov. Bill Ritter today pledged continued involvement by multiple state agencies following the tragic deaths of five workers at the Cabin Creek hydro-electric facility, and vowed a thorough and competent state investigation to determine what caused the fatalities.

"My deepest sympathies go out to the families of these five men," Gov. Ritter said. "This was a terrible tragedy, and I have directed the appropriate state agencies to work hand-in-hand with local and federal investigators to determine the cause of the accident so that we can prevent this from ever occurring again."

The Colorado Bureau of Investigation has dispatched a crime scene investigation team from its Denver crime lab to Georgetown to work with the Clear Creek County Sheriff's Office, Georgetown Fire Department and federal Occupational Safety and Health Administration. CBI Director Bob Cantwell is also on scene today.

The CBI team includes fire investigators and an arson canine to lead evidence-documentation efforts at the scene and to recreate yesterday's events.

The Colorado Public Utilities Commission will become actively involved once Xcel Energy files a critical incident report. The utility company has 30 days to file that report. The PUC will review the report and if necessary issue recommendations for improved safety.

Officials from the Colorado Division of Mine Safety also are providing technical support to the Henderson Mine rescue team.

Several other divisions of state government also are involved, including the Department of Public Health and Environment's Divisions of Emergency Preparedness and Response, Hazardous Materials, and Air Quality, as well as the Department of Local Affairs' Division of Emergency Management.