Chiller Theatre Evacuated Due to Gas Leak, Bomb Threat

There was no shortage of action at Saturday’s Chiller Theatre Expo in Parsippany, NJ. Apart from an impressive guest lineup, the Hilton Parsippany Hotel was evacuated around 3PM for what was initially described as a gas leak.  At first the crowds were asked to move to one side of the building as firefighters attempted to locate the source of the leak. Then, emergency responders and convention staff requested that everyone exit the building and stay at least 100 feet away, as rumors began to circulate of a bomb threat.

As the events unfolded, a group of convention attendees were gathered in the Hilton’s “Hydrogen Room” for the “Italian Invasion” guest panel, which included appearances by Cannibal Holocaust director Ruggero Deodato, actor Carl Gabriel Yorke, and actress Cinzia Monreale. Towards the conclusion of the panel several firefighters could be seen passing through the Hydrogen Room with full gear, leading some to speculate that they were simply men in costume. At one point actor Yorke even mused that the disturbance was part of the show. Moments later the evacuation began and it was immediately clear that this wasn’t a joke.

The crowds stood outside the complex for approximately an hour before an announcement was made that buses would be arriving for anyone who needed to keep warm while the hotel was being searched.  At this point it was not clear if the show would continue.  Many guests, staff, and attendees made their way to a nearby Zinburger bar & restaurant. Among some of the guests who could be spotted at Zinburger were P.J. Soles, Barbara Eden, Robert Wagner, and Warrington Gillette.

The gas leak was addressed, but the complex remained on lockdown for about three hours after reports of an apparent bomb threat. No device was found. Shortly after 6PM the convention was re-opened as guests, staff, and vendors returned to the hotel.  Chiller Theatre did extend the hours of the show later into the evening in case anyone who had been evacuated wished to return.