Gaylord Says Opryland Explosion Mechanical In Nature

Gaylord Entertainment Co. has given an update on the explosion that happened at Gaylord Opryland Hotel last night (6/19) after 8 pm CT. Investigating authorities have confirmed the explosion was mechanical in nature, and all guests and employees were  safely evacuated. No life-threatening injuries have been reported, and the hotel resumed operations at 7 am CT today (6/20).

Nashville Fire Department, Nashville Police Department, and structural engineers spent the night assessing damages and ensuring the integrity of the building before allowing anyone to re-enter. The hotel was sold out, including a large group sheriffs attending the 2012 National Sheriffs Association Annual Conference.

Early estimates of the damage are less than $750,000, and should have little to no damage on upcoming meetings and events. Affected areas in the Delta Atrium are closed off in the meantime.

“First and foremost, what is important is that no one was hurt as a result of this incident,” said Colin V. Reed, Chairman and Chief Executive Officer of Gaylord Entertainment. “I want to commend the efforts of the Nashville Fire Department, Nashville Police Department, and our STARS for their swift response that ensured that the issue was assessed as quickly as possible and that all guests were safely evacuated. At this stage we can now focus on returning to business as usual and repairing the impacted areas of the property with minimal disruption to our guests.”