Ever wondered what you should do if an elevator cable suddenly snapped?

While the idea is terrifying, knowing the right steps could save your life. In this guide, we explore expert advice, debunk myths, and reveal the best way to increase your chances of survival in a free-falling elevator.

The Only Way to Survive a Free-Falling Elevator

Elevators are one of the safest modes of transportation, but the thought of one plummeting to the ground is enough to send shivers down anyone’s spine. While elevator accidents are extremely rare, they do happen. If you ever find yourself in this nightmare scenario, knowing how to react could mean the difference between life and death.

Engineers and scientists have studied elevator free-falls, and today, we’re breaking down the best survival techniques—along with the myths you should ignore.

What NOT to Do in a Falling Elevator

1. Don’t Jump!

Many believe that jumping just before impact will reduce the force on your body. However, this is a dangerous myth.

• You have no way of knowing the exact moment to jump.
• Even if you managed to jump, the speed reduction would only be around 3 km/h (2 mph)—not enough to make a difference.
• Worst of all, you risk hitting your head on the elevator’s ceiling, causing severe injury.

The MythBusters team tested this theory, and the dummy they used didn’t fare well.

2. Don’t Stand Upright and Rigid

Some might think standing tall and bracing for impact is the best move. Wrong!

• Upon impact, the force on your legs could be 10 times your body weight, leading to instant fatal injuries.
• Your spine and lower body would take the full brunt of the crash, making survival almost impossible.

The Best Way to Survive a Free-Falling Elevator

Lie Flat on the Floor

If you ever find yourself in this terrifying situation, your best survival strategy is to lie flat on your back with your arms covering your head.

Here’s why this position gives you the highest chance of survival:

• Evenly distributes impact force across your entire body.
• Reduces stress on vital organs compared to standing or sitting.
• Protects your head from falling debris when the elevator crashes.

Of course, there’s no guarantee of survival, especially if the fall is from a great height. However, experts agree this is the most effective method to increase your chances.

Real-Life Example: The Woman Who Survived the Longest Elevator Fall

One incredible survival story is that of Betty Lou Oliver, an elevator operator in the Empire State Building. She survived a 79-floor fall when the elevator cable snapped. What saved her? A 1,000-foot cable coiled beneath the elevator, cushioning the impact.

If that sounds like a miracle, it’s because it was. Don’t count on luck—knowing the right survival technique is key.

How Safe Are Elevators Today?

The good news? Elevator accidents are extremely rare. In fact:

• Most fatalities occur when people step into empty shafts or get trapped in malfunctioning doors—not from actual falls.
• Modern elevators have safety mechanisms, such as emergency brakes and shock-absorbing buffers, to prevent catastrophic crashes.

Engineers continuously improve elevator safety, making them one of the safest forms of transportation.