Abstract: Based on the technical assumption of multi-stage hydraulic fracturing for horizontal well in coal seam roof strata applied in coalbed methane development, a similar physical model for characterizing fracturing horizontal well in coal seam roof strata is constructed. The propagation characteristics of fractures generated from horizontal wells in coal seam roof strata through the multiple experiments of the real three axle fracturing physical simulation under the condition of surrounding stress, and especially, the possibility of fractures that propagate into coal seam were researched in detail. The results shows that fractures initiated from horizontal wells in coal seam roof strata can grow towards and into coal seam under some conditions such as reasonable placement of horizontal well in coal seam roof strata and a certain pumping rate. The simulation experiment research provides a laboratory demonstration for practicability of the technology of multi-stage hydraulic fracturing and horizontal wells in roof strata of broken soft and low permeable coal seam, and provides guidance for the optimization of horizontal well placement in coal roof strata.