Help! The ceiling has a HUGE crack in it and it looks like it is about to fall down - what do i do?

The house is more than 50 yrs old and the ceiling looks like its the original one, however its sagging and there a light fitting right next to the crack. Over the years theres been some water damage but the roofs been replaced now. What do i do? Can i fix it myself? How can i do it cheaply?

The house is more than 50 yrs old and the ceiling looks like its the original one, however its sagging and there a light fitting right next to the crack. Over the years theres been some water damage but the roofs been replaced now. People have said used plaster screws however a contracter has suggested plaster straps attached across the joists onto opposites sides of the ceiling? Will this work or will it crack the ceiling more? thanks!

if it is stucco the you have a big mess but you will need to take down the old ceiling and insulation be care full with structure and wires you should go in the attic and look first then you can carefully take it down then you should find a sheet rocker to put the ceiling back up and then you can re-insulate and paint

Using tape underneath a coat of plaster will do it.

Special no-shrink compound is available too.A little less work and expense so try that first.

that isn't a cheap problem, and you can't do it by yourself properly, i can tell just by the way you worded your question...hire a contractor to fix it, there are many reliable ones in your yellow pages, find someone who's been around awhile.
this is a dirty job and messy the old has to come down and new put up, perhaps some of the wood framework replaced as well, and it has to be done right or it will look like a bad dream...freddie cruger eat your heart out kind of a bad dream.

ahhhh ! thats easy ! turn off the circut to the light and if the plasters dry get a Screw gun ( home depo,sears,wallmart) and get some 2inch long sheetrock screws ! start at the part where its not hanging bad (SEE PIC I HAVE Made DOWN BELOW) and continue putting them every 6 inchs towards hanging part!

turn off the electric breaker to that room.remove the old light . take down the old ceiling.look and see if any wood needs replaced..then put up new drywall and hook the light back up..cost about $100.00 for the whole ceiling .

if there was water damage the wood is rotted and you might need to replace the whole thing. If you are a good carpenter handyman you could fix it. Is this your house? If so your home owners insurance could pay for it if it is due to water damage. If you are renting have the landlord fix.

Sounds like an old lath and plaster house. Unless you are familiar with that type you may want a pro to fix it. If it`s drywall, then it depends on how good you are. Either way you will create a mess taking down the damaged section. I fixed my g/f house by finding the joists and putting 2" screws thru it and replastering the damaged area. Has been holding for more than 3 years. Good luck

Call a carpenter, plumber or something.

dont call a plumber, plumbers dont do ceilings. you could try a carpenter but you are probably better off with a plasterer. your ceiling may be sagging due to age, or it could also but from a roof leak. dont try to fix it "cheaply", dont cut corners, you'll only end up hanging yourself later and have to spend the money later. get it fixed properly the first time.