On May 16th, “Final Destination: Bloodlines” hit theaters. Like its five predecessors, the film follows a group of people who evade death only to be stalked by it. During a screening at Cinema Ocho in Argentina on May 19th, the film got a bit too immersive when part of the theater’s ceiling fell.
Fiamma Villaverde was at the theater celebrating her 29th birthday with her 11-year-old daughter and a friend when the debris struck her.
The Collapse During “Bloodlines“
“The truth is, we hadn’t planned to go to the movies,” Fiamma told Infobae. “It was my birthday, we were walking and happened upon the theater. Since the tickets were cheaper than the rest of the week, we said, ‘Shall we?’ We went in, bought some popcorn, and went into the theater. The show had just started.”
The theater had about 40 people total, and for the most part, the showing went off without a hitch. Around the end of the film, “There was a really loud noise,” Villaverde explains. “At first, we thought it was part of the movie because we were so absorbed; but then a huge piece fell on me.”
Part of the collapsed ceiling struck her in the shoulder, back, knee, and ankle. “It didn’t hit my head because I was leaning slightly over the armrest,” she pointed out.
The Aftermath
Obviously upset, she headed to the box office to make them aware of the situation. “I asked for my ticket money back.” Then an ambulance was called to treat Villaverde’s injuries.
“While I was waiting, the theater manager came to talk to me. He asked, ‘How do you want to fix this?’ I got angry: ‘How do I want to fix this? I’m going to file a complaint. Just imagine if they hit my daughter in the head! They’re irresponsible!'”
That is when she elected to transport herself to Berisso Hospital because it was close to her home. “I was really upset… They took an x-ray,” she says. “The diagnosis was trauma from the blow. I also had several bruises. I have to go back in a few days for another x-ray on my back.”
In many cases like this, the injuries aren’t just physical; there is a strong mental component too. “I’m undergoing psychiatric treatment and on medication,” Villaverde admits. “I have a hard time being in crowded places. I haven’t been to the movies in years. I went because it was my birthday, and look what happened to me.”
Unfortunately, the entire thing has left her unable to work as a cleaner for a nightclub. “I haven’t filed a complaint yet, but I’ve contacted a lawyer. I haven’t been able to go to work for days. Who’s going to take care of this,” she asks.
The theater has yet to comment on the ceiling collapse. Those in the theater are blaming the recent heavy rains in the area.
We’ll keep you posted on updates as the situation develops. “Final Destination: Bloodline” is in theaters nationwide.
