Explosion at national sheriff’s convention, Brunswick Co. Sheriff there | News

NASHVILLE, TN (WECT)- According to Brunswick County Sheriff John Ingram, an explosion hit the national sheriff's convention in Nashville, TN. We talked to Sheriff Ingram on the phone. He is there and said he was not injured.

Sheriff Ingram said he could feel the concussion of the blast from the explosion at the hotel.

"It was a unique situation. I'm just glad no one was hurt or killed because it could have easily happened," Ingram said.

The sheriff said even though he and his officers respond to similar situations, he has never been though something like this.

"It was a little nervous," he said. "Because of being law enforcement, when you experience something like this, you kind of know the possibilities and there could be other issues associated with it."

The explosion happened at the Opryland Hotel. Ingram said the cause is not know at this time, but it is believed to be a natural gas explosion, but that is not confirmed. Ingram is one of about 500 law enforcement officials at the convention.

Sheriff Ingram said the explosion happened near the convention hall the sheriff's conference was being held in.

Ingram said several sheriff's from North Carolina attended the conference, including Columbus County Sheriff Chris Batten. Ingram said he will be leaving Nashville tomorrow as planned.

Stay with WECT for the very latest as more information becomes available.

Copyright 2012 WECT. All rights reserved WSMV-TV contributed to this report.