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If someone needs immediate help with collapse nearby, use emergency mode.
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DEVELOPMENT FIXTURE — A building or structure is failing or has collapsed near where you are standing — you are outside but close to danger.
The essentials if you need to act right now.
Run away. Cover head. Stay back from rubble. Call 112. Do not go near.
What might I see? Observable signs — no diagnosis required.
DEVELOPMENT FIXTURE — Visible leaning, cracking, or sudden pancake settling of floors.
DEVELOPMENT FIXTURE — Cloud of dust erupting from a building face.
DEVELOPMENT FIXTURE — Screaming, alarms, or people running away from one structure.
Optional deeper explanation — not required to act.
DEVELOPMENT FIXTURE — A structural failure is sending tons of material outward and downward. Dust, glass, and concrete can travel far from the building.
DEVELOPMENT FIXTURE — Rescue teams need a clear perimeter. Untrained entry causes more deaths from secondary collapse.
Check the scene before you approach.
Civilian-safe actions you can take.
DEVELOPMENT FIXTURE — Turn and move away fast — do not stop to film or stare.
DEVELOPMENT FIXTURE — Cover your head with arms or bag as you retreat.
DEVELOPMENT FIXTURE — Pull cloth over mouth and nose if dust is thick.
DEVELOPMENT FIXTURE — Get beyond the collapse zone — at least two building heights away.
When and how to get professional help.
Report any visible trapped persons — do not enter rubble yourself.
DEVELOPMENT FIXTURE — Keep others back and call for professional rescue. Civilians should not enter unstable rubble.
DEVELOPMENT FIXTURE — Call 112 or 108. Say: "Building collapse at [address]. Possible trapped people."
DEVELOPMENT FIXTURE — Describe building type, number of floors, and whether dust or fire is present.
DEVELOPMENT FIXTURE — Stay on scene at a safe distance to guide arriving crews if asked.
Dangerous actions, when not to attempt rescue, and common myths.
DEVELOPMENT FIXTURE — Do NOT enter the rubble to search for people — wait for trained rescue.
DEVELOPMENT FIXTURE — Do NOT light fires for warmth near collapsed buildings — gas leaks are common.
DEVELOPMENT FIXTURE — Do NOT stand under remaining unstable walls or cranes.
DEVELOPMENT FIXTURE — Do NOT assume silence means no one is trapped — survivors tap rather than shout.
DEVELOPMENT FIXTURE — You should run into the rubble immediately to save people
Other scenarios in the same family.
Bridge collapse
DEVELOPMENT FIXTURE — A bridge, overpass, or elevated roadway has collapsed — with vehicles or people on or below it.
Construction accident
DEVELOPMENT FIXTURE — A structural failure, fall, or collapse has occurred on a construction site — scaffolding, trench, or partial building.
Floor collapse
DEVELOPMENT FIXTURE — A floor, mezzanine, or elevated platform has collapsed — dropping people to the level below or into a void.
Building collapse inside
DEVELOPMENT FIXTURE — Walls, floors, or ceilings are failing while you are inside a building — from earthquake, explosion, or structural failure.
DEVELOPMENT FIXTURE — Warn others to move back. Keep clear of alleys where debris may channel.
DEVELOPMENT FIXTURE — Look up for falling facades, balconies, or signage still attached.
DEVELOPMENT FIXTURE — Once safe, call 112 and give the exact address and what you saw.
DEVELOPMENT FIXTURE — Anyone pulled from rubble by professionals needs medical evaluation for crush syndrome and internal injuries.
DEVELOPMENT FIXTURE — Bystanders with breathing difficulty from dust need urgent care.
DEVELOPMENT FIXTURE — Untrained rescuers become victims in secondary collapses. Establish perimeter and call professional urban search and rescue.
DEVELOPMENT FIXTURE — Additional casualties and blocked access for trained teams.