Pallbearers were sent crashing into a grave along with the coffin they were carrying after a platform gave way during a burial in Pennsylvania. The dramatic collapse occurred as mourners gathered to lay Benjamin Aviles to rest at Greenmount Cemetery following his sudden death on March 21, caused by complications from heart issues. Aviles, who had died at his home in Philadelphia, was being buried on Friday after his funeral when the platform gave way, sending the group tumbling into the grave. Shocked family members captured the incident on video where onlookers were heard gasping in horror.
The men, who suffered injuries to their legs, hands, and backs, were left shaken, with the worst of the injuries sustained by Aviles’ son, Benjamin. “The casket lay on top of him, and he was out like a light with his face in the mud,” Aviles’ stepdaughter, Maribelle Rodriguez, told ABC6. The family believes the incident was caused by the cemetery and funeral home’s negligence, blaming the poor condition of the platform.
“The whole thing was trembling. It was wobbly, the wood was all wet and soaked,” Rodriguez said. “I think they should apologise. There should be some reimbursement, seeing that the ceremony was interrupted. Nothing was done properly.”
Despite the chaos, none of the injuries were serious, and all the pallbearers are expected to make a full recovery. Aviles, originally from Lares, Puerto Rico, had moved over to the US and made North Philadelphia his home. His obituary described him as a “man of many talents,” with a particular gift for fixing cars. “Entirely self-taught, there wasn’t a car problem he couldn’t fix,” it read. “He also enjoyed fishing, travelling with his beloved wife, and cheering on his favourite sports – especially boxing and football.”
“Benji was a devoted husband, a loving father to his son, a caring father figure to his stepdaughters, a treasured grandfather to his four grandchildren, and a dear friend to many. He was a man of great integrity, strength, and endless love for his family. His kindness, generosity, and gentle spirit touched everyone who knew him.
“Though his absence leaves a void, his memory will forever live on in the stories we share and the love he gave so freely.”
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