A movie screening in La Plata, Argentina, turned into a real-life horror scenario on May 19 when a section of the Cinema Ocho theatre's ceiling collapsed during a showing of "Final Destination: Bloodlines." Fiamma Villaverde, 29, who was celebrating her birthday with her 11-year-old daughter and a friend, sustained injuries when debris fell on her.
According to reports, the incident occurred towards the end of the movie. Villaverde recounted hearing a "really loud noise" and initially mistaking it for a sound effect from the film. However, a large piece of the ceiling then crashed down, striking her shoulder, back, knee, and ankle. She believes she avoided a more serious head injury because she was leaning over the armrest at the time. Her daughter and friend were unharmed.
Following the incident, Villaverde sought a refund for her ticket and an ambulance was called. She reported that a cinema manager approached her, asking how she wanted to "settle this." Villaverde expressed her outrage and stated her intention to file a complaint, emphasizing the potential danger if the falling debris had struck her daughter. She independently went to a nearby hospital in Berisso for treatment, where she was diagnosed with trauma from the impact and received X-rays. She also sustained several bruises and requires a follow-up X-ray for her back.
The incident has reportedly left Villaverde struggling with panic attacks and anxiety. She is currently undergoing psychiatric treatment and taking medication to manage her condition. She told Infobae that she hadn't been to the movies in years due to her anxiety and is now finding it difficult to be in crowded places.
Other moviegoers captured footage of the aftermath, showing a gaping hole in the ceiling and debris scattered throughout the theater. Some attendees speculated that recent heavy rains may have weakened the ceiling, contributing to its collapse.
Social media users have noted the ironic and unsettling parallels between the incident and the "Final Destination" film franchise, which revolves around characters narrowly escaping disasters only to face a series of gruesome and improbable deaths. Some have jokingly referred to the event as a "5D experience."
Villaverde, who works as a nightclub cleaner and is the sole provider for her daughter, has contacted a lawyer and is considering legal action against the cinema. She has been unable to work since the incident and is seeking accountability for the damages and distress she has suffered. She has also accused the cinema staff of not offering any help after the ceiling collapsed.
Local authorities are said to be investigating the incident. As of now, Cinema Ocho has not issued a public apology or announced any plans to improve safety measures at the location.
