WASHINGTON, D.C. -- U.S. Rep. Mark Udall, D-Eldorado Springs, released the following statement in response to news that five workers were killed below Xcel Energy's Cabin Creek hydroelectric plant:

"I was deeply saddened to learn of this tragedy, and I appreciate the tireless and professional efforts of the rescue crew to find the trapped workers. My thoughts and prayers are with those who lost friends and loved ones yesterday, and I hope that we can learn from this tragedy to help prevent accidents like this in the future."

Rep. Udall represents the 2nd Congressional District, which includes Georgetown.

He will meet tomorrow with members from the U.S. Chemical Safety Board (CSB), who are investigating yesterday's fatal fire, to discuss the scope of their investigation. The CSB is an independent federal agency that investigates industrial chemical accidents. The board does not issue citations or fines but does make safety recommendations to plants, industry organizations, labor groups, and regulatory agencies such as OSHA and EPA.