THIS is the horrifying moment a group of pallbearers plunge into the grave alongside a coffin as they try to put their loved one to rest.
The mourners were burying Benjamin Aviles, who died suddenly from heart complications on March 21 at his home in Philadelphia.
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Video footage – intended to record Benjamin’s final descent – instead captured the awful accident at Greenmount Cemetery in the city.
The group of pallbearers are seen walking the coffin from the hearse to the awaiting grave.
They position the coffin over the straps, ready to lower it down into the grave, when suddenly the platform gives way.
All the men tumble into the pit alongside the coffin, with some squashed painfully by the large box.
The men sustained injuries to their legs, hands and backs as they were crushed into the mud.
Benjamin’s son, also Benjamin, suffered the most.
The deceased’s step-daughter, Maribelle Rodriguez, told ABC6: “It was just a horrible incident that happened at a bad moment.
“The casket lay on top of him [Benjamin Jr], and he was out like a light with his face in the mud.”
The family blamed the cemetery and funeral home for the mishap, reporting that the platform was in poor condition.
Maribelle said: “The whole thing was trembling. It was wobbly, the wood was all wet and soaked.
“I think they should apologize. There should be some reimbursement, being that the ceremony was interrupted; nothing was done properly.”
Thankfully, none of the injuries were serious, and all of the pallbearers are expected to make a full recovery.
Benjamin was born in Lares, Puerto Rice, before making the move to North Philadelphia.
His obituary read: “A man of many talents, Benji had a natural gift for working on cars. Entirely self-taught, there wasn’t a car problem he couldn’t fix.
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“He also enjoyed fishing, traveling with his beloved wife, and cheering on his favorite 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.”
