Fremont Correctional Facility staff member dies in boiler explosion

CANON CITY, Colo. -- A staff member from the Fremont Correctional Facility died in a boiler explosion incident Wednesday, according to the Cañon City Fire Protection District.

Just before noon, fire crews were called to the scene at the Colorado Department of Corrections East Cañon Complex. They found that the boiler had "suffered a catastrophic failure."

The name of the staff member is not being released at this time.

The following statement was provided by Department of Corrections Executive Director Dean Williams:

I am deeply saddened to announce that today a staff member from the Fremont Correctional Facility was killed in an accident while on duty. Our DOC family is devastated by this loss, and we are praying for all of this staff member's loved ones. Our primary focus at this time will be supporting the staff member's family and our DOC team as we navigate this tragedy together.