A shocking and unexpected incident occurred at the Liberty Cinema in Wenatchee, Washington, during a screening of Captain America: Brave New World. The ceiling of the historic theater collapsed while two moviegoers were inside, leading to a chaotic and terrifying experience.
Fortunately, both individuals escaped unharmed, but the incident has raised serious concerns about the safety and maintenance of old theaters.
Authorities are investigating the cause of the collapse, and Sun Basin Theatres has temporarily closed the venue. The incident has sparked discussions on the structural integrity of older entertainment spaces and the urgent need for safety measures.
The Incident: A Close Call for Two Moviegoers
On the night of February 25, an ordinary movie outing turned into a nightmare when the ceiling at Liberty Cinema suddenly collapsed during a screening of Captain America: Brave New World.
The Wenatchee Valley Firefighters, Local 453, confirmed the collapse and responded swiftly to the emergency. According to reports, only two individuals were in the theater when the accident occurred. Their quick thinking likely prevented severe injuries or even fatalities.
The two moviegoers had been enjoying the film when they started hearing strange noises from above. According to Battalion Chief Cam Phillips of the Wenatchee Valley Fire Department, the patrons heard popping and cracking sounds, prompting one of them to stand up and investigate.
When he looked up, he immediately shouted, “Run!” This warning came just in time, as moments later, a large section of the ceiling collapsed, landing in the first three rows of seats.
Read : Linda Nolan’s Final Hours Were Spent ‘Laughing and Joking,’ Says Sister Denise
One of the individuals managed to move away in time, but the other, a woman seated just one row behind the fallen ceiling section, was unable to react quickly enough and ended up covered in debris.
Fortunately, she was not seriously injured, and both moviegoers escaped unharmed. The fire department described the event as a “best-case scenario in a bad situation,” emphasizing that the outcome could have been far worse had the theater been crowded.
Investigation and Theater Response
The Liberty Cinema, built in 1919 and last renovated in the 1970s, has long been a beloved historic landmark in Wenatchee. However, this accident has raised concerns about its structural integrity.
Following the collapse, Sun Basin Theatres, the company that operates the cinema, announced its temporary closure until further notice. The management assured the public that their priority is ensuring the safety of both patrons and staff before reopening.
Black "Captain America" really saved people from a terrible death.
— R (@RuslanLife1) March 1, 2025
The ceiling collapsed in a Washington movie theater during a showing of "Captain America: New World". Fortunately, no one was hurt, because only 2 people came to the show. pic.twitter.com/sJjICPumxN
The fire department, along with structural engineers, has launched an investigation to determine the exact cause of the collapse. Preliminary reports suggest that aging infrastructure and possible wear and tear may have contributed to the accident. It is still unclear whether there were any warning signs of deterioration prior to the incident.
Sun Basin Theatres acknowledged the gravity of the situation in a statement, thanking the public for their support and patience. The company reassured moviegoers that they would take the necessary time to address safety concerns before reopening.
In an effort to continue operations, the company announced that a different screening location at 19 S. Mission St. would be used for select showings, starting with Rainier: A Beer Odyssey on February 28.
While the alternative location provides a temporary solution, the closure of Liberty Cinema has left many wondering about the future of this historic venue. The company has promised to bring back movies and special events in the “absolute best and safest way possible,” but restoration efforts may take time and significant investment.
The Larger Conversation: Theater Safety and Maintenance
The Liberty Cinema ceiling collapse serves as a wake-up call for theaters and entertainment venues across the country. Many historic theaters still in operation were built decades ago and may not have undergone sufficient structural updates.
The incident in Wenatchee highlights the importance of regular inspections, maintenance, and renovation of older buildings to prevent similar accidents.
While no injuries occurred this time, the outcome could have been far more tragic had the theater been full. The fact that this happened on a Tuesday night, rather than a crowded Friday or Saturday, was a stroke of luck.
But luck cannot be relied upon as a safety measure. Fire department officials have emphasized that thorough inspections and timely renovations should be a priority for all entertainment venues, particularly those with aging infrastructure.
Older theaters often hold historical and cultural significance in their communities, making preservation efforts crucial. However, preservation should not come at the expense of safety. Structural integrity assessments, modern reinforcement techniques, and emergency response plans should be standard practice for any theater—whether historic or modern.
Additionally, moviegoers and staff should be educated about potential warning signs of structural issues, such as unusual sounds, cracks in walls, or visible ceiling damage. Public awareness can play a significant role in preventing disasters by ensuring that concerns are reported and addressed in a timely manner.
The Liberty Cinema incident serves as a reminder that entertainment venues, particularly older ones, must prioritize patron safety. As the investigation continues, the findings could serve as a case study for other theaters to take proactive measures in preventing similar accidents. The hope is that this near-tragedy will lead to increased vigilance and improvements in structural safety standards nationwide.
As Sun Basin Theatres works toward reopening Liberty Cinema, the public remains hopeful that this historic venue will once again be a safe and beloved place for moviegoers.
The management’s commitment to ensuring safety is reassuring, but the long-term future of the cinema remains uncertain. Whether through structural reinforcements, extensive renovations, or even a complete rebuilding effort, one thing is clear: safety must be the top priority moving forward.
let’s enjoy few years on earth with peace and happiness….✍🏼🙏