A funeral turned tragic when pallbearers fell into the grave with the coffin after the platform suddenly collapsed beneath them.
A funeral in Philadelphia took a shocking turn when pallbearers fell into a grave while lowering a coffin.
This tragic incident occurred during the funeral of Benjamin Aviles, a 66-year-old man, at Greenmount Cemetery.
His family was gathered to say their final goodbyes when disaster struck on April 4.
Coffin and pallbearers fall into grave after platform collapses
As the pallbearers carefully lowered Benjamin’s casket into the ground, the wooden platform surrounding the grave suddenly collapsed.
This unexpected event caused several men to fall about six feet into the grave. Screams filled the air as family and friends watched in horror.
Among those who fell was Aviles’ son, who ended up beneath the casket, his face in the mud.
The family reacted with shock and deep sadness.
Witnesses described the scene as chaotic and distressing.
Aviles’ stepdaughter, Maribelle Rodriguez, recounted the moment, saying, “The casket lay on top of him, and he was out like a light with his face in the mud.”
The emotional trauma of the accident overshadowed the funeral, which was meant to be a respectful farewell to a beloved family member.
Although several pallbearers sustained minor injuries, the emotional impact of the incident was much more profound.
The family was left reeling from what should have been a solemn occasion.
Rodriguez expressed anger towards both the cemetery and the funeral home, which is not affiliated with the family.
She blamed them for the unsafe conditions that led to the accident.
Rodriguez demands accountability for the unsafe funeral conditions.
Rodriguez described the scene before the collapse, stating, “The whole thing was trembling. It was wobbly, the wood was all wet and soaked.”
She believes that those responsible should be held accountable.
Rodriguez is now seeking an apology and financial reimbursement for the disruption of the ceremony.
“There should be some reimbursement, being that the ceremony was interrupted; nothing was done properly,” she said.
Remembering Benjamin Aviles for his lasting impact.
Benjamin Aviles was born in Lares, Puerto Rico, and later moved to North Philadelphia.
He was known for his many talents, particularly his ability to work on cars. An obituary described him as self-taught, with a natural gift for fixing vehicles.
In addition to his skills, Benjamin enjoyed fishing, traveling with his wife, and watching sports, especially boxing and football.
He was not just a skilled mechanic but also a devoted husband and loving father.
His family remembered him as a caring father figure to his stepdaughters and a treasured grandfather to his four grandchildren.
Benjamin was known for his kindness, generosity, and gentle spirit, which touched everyone who knew him.