Emergency crews were called to the scene of an explosion at a hotel hosting a sheriff's convention in Nashville, Tennessee.
It all happened at the Gaylord Opryland Resort & Convention Center on Tuesday evening.
The hotel was hosting the 2012 National Sheriffs Association Conference.
Hidalgo County Sheriff Lupe Treviño reported on Facebook that he and his wife were there at the time of the explosion.
“We were right around the corner walking onto the 3rd floor escalator when we experienced an explosion in the floor directly below us,” Treviño wrote in a Facebook post. “The explosion nearly knocked us to the floor. Tile and debris rained down on us.”
Nashville media outlets said that no injuries were reported and the building was evacuated.
Early reports indicated there was a mechanical explosion behind an elevator in the hotel.
Sheriff Treviño reported that he and his wife had planned to sleep in their car.
Media Statement June 19, 2012 10:45 pm Gaylord Opryland Resort & Convention Center
There was an explosion at approximately 8:15 p.m. this evening at Gaylord Opryland Resort & Convention Center. While it is still early and the investigation is ongoing, authorities have said that the explosion appears to be mechanical in nature. There are no reported injuries at this time. The hotel is sold out and was full at the time of the incident. The entire hotel has been evacuated while authorities investigate the scene. The Nashville Fire Department, Nashville Police Department are on site and structural engineers are currently inspecting the building before guests and STARS (employees) are permitted reentry to the resort. Gas lines to the hotel have been turned off at this time. The hotel's STARS are distributing water, sodas and snacks to the evacuated guests while they wait outside on the lawns. Additionally, the resort's motor coaches have taken guests to the adjacent Grand Ole Opry House for refreshments and air conditioning while they wait. The authorities are working quickly to clear the facility for reentry.
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