Need help right now?
If someone needs immediate help with mine collapse, use emergency mode.
Do this nowThis content is in Draft and has not been professionally reviewed. It is provided for preview while expert review is in progress.
DEVELOPMENT FIXTURE — You are in a mine, tunnel, or underground passage when the roof or walls collapse, trapping you or others.
The essentials if you need to act right now.
Stay still. Cover mouth. Tap on metal. Save light. Call for help if signal works.
What might I see? Observable signs — no diagnosis required.
DEVELOPMENT FIXTURE — Sudden blast of air, thundering rock, and darkness as lights fail.
DEVELOPMENT FIXTURE — Tunnel fills with dust making headlamps useless.
DEVELOPMENT FIXTURE — Passage behind and ahead blocked by rubble.
Optional deeper explanation — not required to act.
DEVELOPMENT FIXTURE — Underground roof falls can seal passages with rock and timber. Air pockets are limited.
DEVELOPMENT FIXTURE — Gases may accumulate in voids — never use open flame for light.
Check the scene before you approach.
Tunnel collapses propagate — moving may trigger further roof fall.
Civilian-safe actions you can take.
DEVELOPMENT FIXTURE — Drop low where air may be slightly better near floor.
DEVELOPMENT FIXTURE — Cover mouth and nose with cloth or filter material.
DEVELOPMENT FIXTURE — Do not run — test each step for continuing collapse.
DEVELOPMENT FIXTURE — Locate metal — rails, pipe, tool — for tapping signals.
When and how to get professional help.
Underground entrapment always needs specialized mine rescue.
DEVELOPMENT FIXTURE — Signal location and protect airway. Do not dig toward surface through unsupported ground.
DEVELOPMENT FIXTURE — Use mine emergency communication if installed.
DEVELOPMENT FIXTURE — If phone reaches surface: call 112 — say mine name, level, and last known landmark.
DEVELOPMENT FIXTURE — Continue tapping on schedule so acoustic locators can triangulate.
Dangerous actions, when not to attempt rescue, and common myths.
DEVELOPMENT FIXTURE — Do NOT light matches, lighters, or cigarettes — explosive gas risk.
DEVELOPMENT FIXTURE — Do NOT operate diesel equipment in sealed pocket — carbon monoxide kills.
DEVELOPMENT FIXTURE — Do NOT remove timber props unless trained — they hold the roof.
DEVELOPMENT FIXTURE — Do NOT shout unless rescuers are within direct earshot.
DEVELOPMENT FIXTURE — You should dig straight up toward the surface
Other scenarios in the same family.
Collapse nearby
DEVELOPMENT FIXTURE — A building or structure is failing or has collapsed near where you are standing — you are outside but close to danger.
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.
DEVELOPMENT FIXTURE — Use three-tap pattern, pause, listen for rescue drills above or behind.
DEVELOPMENT FIXTURE — Ration water if available. Do not eat unless sure of safe supply.
DEVELOPMENT FIXTURE — If communication system exists, use mine phone or radio per training.
DEVELOPMENT FIXTURE — Mine rescue teams need hours to days — conserve resources.
DEVELOPMENT FIXTURE — All rescued miners need medical evaluation for dust inhalation and crush injury.
DEVELOPMENT FIXTURE — Unsupported digging causes roof fall. Mine rescue follows mapped routes with shoring. Signal and wait for teams.
DEVELOPMENT FIXTURE — Burial from uncontrolled digging and gas exposure.