A Silent Film Night Turns Deadly
On January 28, 1922, Washington, D.C., was blanketed in nearly two and a half feet of snow from a historic blizzard. Despite the weather, over 200 people gathered at the Knickerbocker Theatre to watch the silent comedy Get-Rich-Quick Wallingford. Just after intermission, an ominous crack echoed through the room—a chilling sign of what was to come.
The Roof Gives Way
Without warning, the theater’s flat roof, burdened by the heavy snow, gave way, crashing down in a single piece. The roof collapse obliterated the balcony and walls, trapping many inside. The impact was so severe that the theater doors blew open, sending a few people into the street and ultimately saving their lives.
Immediate Rescue Efforts
The devastation was swift. Amid screams and cries, rescuers, including future General George S. Patton, pulled survivors from the rubble. By dawn, over 600 emergency personnel and volunteers worked tirelessly, but the collapse claimed 98 lives and injured 133.
Remembering the Forgotten Tragedy
Once the most luxurious theater in the city, the Knickerbocker became a symbol of tragedy. While the building no longer stands, a small plaque today reminds passersby of the lives lost on that winter night in 1922.
On January 28, 1922, Washington, D.C., faced disaster when the Knickerbocker Theatre’s roof collapsed under the weight of two and a half feet of snow. Around 200 people had gathered to watch Get-Rich-Quick Wallingford, a silent film, when an ominous cracking sound filled the… pic.twitter.com/gfmXn3hNxX
— Detective Tiger's Stories (@TigerDetective) November 14, 2024