NASHVILLE, Tennesee --- Baldwin County’s sheriff and top deputies, along with members of their families, were reportedly unharmed in an apparent explosion on Tuesday inside the Gaylord Opryland Resort and Convention Center where they were staying.

In an email message received at 9:28 p.m. Tuesday, Maj. Anthony Lowery with the Baldwin County Sheriff reported that he, along with Baldwin County Sheriff Huey “Hoss” Mack, and Chief Deputy Charlie Jones were attending the National Sheriff’s Association meeting in Nashville when the apparent explosion occurred.

“We along with our family members are safe,” Lowery reported. “We have been evacuated into the parking lot along with thousands of other guest.”

It was reported on cbsnews.com Wednesday that a gas leak caused the explosion at around 8:15 p.m. Tuesday, causing the evacuation of over 5,000 guests. No injuries were reported and guests were allowed back inside early Wednesday.

 “There is debris all around where we were,” he said. “Thanks to all of you (who called) about our well-being.”

Capt. Ken Walburn with the Nashville Fire Department said the leak was ignited inside a mechanical room on the first floor, according to the cbsnews.com report, causing significant damage to an escalator, walls and ceiling. He said the blast was so strong it damaged ceiling tiles on the third floor of the convention center.

The hotel sits next to the Grand Ole Opry House, the heart of Nashville's country music scene.

Hundreds of sheriffs from around the country were staying at the convention center for the 2012 National Sheriffs Association. Walburn said the cause of the fire was investigated by the state bomb and arson squad, along with FBI and the Alcohol, Tobacco, Firearms and Explosives, but suspicious activity was ruled out.