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Today in History: Historic snowstorm collapses Knickerbocker Theatre, 98 dead

1/28/2026

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Summary

Story summary

On January 28, 1922, the Knickerbocker Theatre in Washington, D.C. collapsed under the weight of snow from a severe blizzard, known as the Knickerbocker storm. The disaster occurred shortly after 9 p.m. while the theater was screening "Get-Rich-Quick Wallingford," resulting in 98 fatalities and 133 injuries, marking a tragic event in the city's history.

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Story summary

On January 28, 1922, the Knickerbocker Theatre in Washington, D.C. collapsed under the weight of snow from a severe blizzard, known as the Knickerbocker storm. The disaster occurred shortly after 9 p.m. while the theater was screening "Get-Rich-Quick Wallingford," resulting in 98 fatalities and 133 injuries, marking a tragic event in the city's history.