Movie theater ceiling collapses during the ‘Captain America’ screening
:max_bytes(150000):strip_icc():format(jpeg)/movie-theater-collapse-022825-57db3e43e5ab44fda5fca0b966057f6b.jpg)
A recent night out at the movies turned into a night of chaos for two unsuspecting moviegoers as the ceiling of a theatre in Wenatchee, Washington, collapsed during a screening of ‘Captain America: Brave New World’. The Wenatchee Valley Firefighters, Local 453, were alerted to the incident at the Liberty Cinema on South Mission Street on Tuesday, February 25. Luckily, despite the terrifying ordeal, no injuries were reported.
The cause of the collapse is still under investigation, leaving many questions unanswered for both authorities and movie enthusiasts. The two individuals inside the cinema at the time were immersed in the Marvel movie when they suddenly heard ominous sounds of cracking and popping, prompting them to take action. Battalion Chief Cam Phillips shared that once the debris started falling, one of the patrons bravely alerted the other and urged them to run to safety, averting a potential disaster.
Brian Brett, the fire department chief, provided further details, explaining that a significant section of the ceiling structure dislodged and plummeted into the first three rows of the theatre, narrowly missing the two moviegoers. The swift actions of the individuals prevented a more severe outcome, with one of them unfortunately getting covered in debris as it collapsed just a row behind her.
Following the incident, the management of Sun Basin Theatres, operators of the Liberty Cinema, took immediate action by announcing the temporary closure of the cinema for a thorough assessment of the situation. However, reassuring movie buffs, they pledged to reopen the theatre for a limited screening of ‘Rainier: A Beer Odyssey’ on February 28, at a different location.
In a statement released on social media, Sun Basin Theatres expressed gratitude for the continuous support from the community and prioritised the safety of patrons and staff above all else. Reflecting on the historic significance of the cinema, which has been a staple in the local entertainment scene since 1919, the company reiterated its commitment to ensuring the public’s safety and providing a secure environment for future screenings.
Phillips emphasised the fortunate timing of the incident, highlighting that the outcome could have been far more severe if the theatre had been at full capacity on a busier evening. With the investigation ongoing and safety measures being reviewed, both authorities and theatre management are working diligently to prevent such incidents in the future.
As news of the movie theatre ceiling collapse spreads, it serves as a stark reminder of the importance of safety measures in public spaces. The unexpected turn of events during a casual night out at the movies underscores the need for vigilance and precaution, even in seemingly routine activities. The resilience of the moviegoers and the swift response of emergency services are commendable, shedding light on the significance of preparedness in unforeseen circumstances.