A tragic moment meant to bring closure turned into a terrifying incident at a Philadelphia cemetery, as mourners were sent into chaos when a burial platform collapsed mid-ceremony.
The heartbreaking event unfolded in front of family, friends, and bystanders as the deceased man’s son was trapped beneath the coffin, leading to scenes of panic, injury, and emotional distress. The shocking visuals captured on video show how a peaceful farewell for a loved one turned into a devastating memory for those in attendance.
Burial Platform Collapsed Mid-Ceremony
On March 21, a funeral was being held at Greenmount Cemetery in Philadelphia for Benjamin Aviles, a man who had recently passed away due to health complications. The ceremony began with family members and pallbearers entering the cemetery, carrying the large coffin and preparing to lower it into the ground.
Emotions were already high, as the family gathered to say their final goodbyes. However, what was intended as a solemn and respectful moment quickly turned into chaos.
As the pallbearers attempted to position the coffin for burial, the platform on which they stood suddenly gave way. In a terrifying moment caught on video, the entire platform collapsed, sending the casket and the mourners plunging into the open grave.
Onlookers can be heard gasping in shock as the scene unfolded. Among those who fell was Aviles’ own son, who ended up pinned beneath his father’s coffin. Witnesses described the platform as visibly unstable even before the collapse.
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Some family members noted that it seemed unsteady and water-damaged. The wood was reportedly soaked and appeared unable to bear the weight of the mourners and the heavy coffin. What should have been a peaceful transition for the deceased became a traumatic and dangerous ordeal for the living.
NEW: Deceased man's son gets trapped under his father's casket after a platform collapsed, taking the entire family into the grave.
— Collin Rugg (@CollinRugg) April 8, 2025
That's unfortunate.
The incident happened at a funeral in Philadelphia for Benjamin Aviles who passed away in late March.
When the pallbearers… pic.twitter.com/0Zha1mnKnN
The impact of the fall caused several injuries. Pallbearers and other family members who fell into the grave suffered injuries to their legs, hands, and backs. Emergency services were called, and those injured were tended to at the scene or taken for further medical treatment. The immediate concern, however, was for Benjamin Aviles’ son, who had been trapped under the weight of the coffin, a horrifying moment that no one present will soon forget.
Family’s Anguish Turns to Outrage
In the aftermath of the incident, the Aviles family did not hesitate to express their anger and disappointment with the Greenmount Cemetery and funeral home responsible for organizing the burial. According to them, the platform’s condition was unacceptable and posed a serious risk to all those attending the funeral.
Maribelle Rodriguez, Aviles’ stepdaughter, gave a heartfelt statement to the media, blaming the Greenmount Cemetery staff and funeral home for negligence. “The whole thing was trembling. It was wobbly, the wood was all wet and soaked. I think they should apologise,” she said. Her words captured the sentiment felt across the family—grief now compounded by a deep sense of betrayal and trauma.
Rodriguez also emphasized that the family expects some form of compensation or reimbursement for the emotional and physical toll caused by the collapse. “There should be some reimbursement, seeing that the ceremony was interrupted. Nothing was done properly,” she stated. The family had hoped to say their final goodbyes with dignity, but instead were forced to endure an ordeal that added to their sorrow.
The platform collapse did not just disrupt the ceremony—it also stripped away the solemnity and respect that should accompany a burial. For the Aviles family, what should have been a sacred ritual became a public spectacle and a source of lasting trauma. Their trust in the institutions meant to help them during one of life’s most difficult moments was broken.
There has been no official statement yet from Greenmount Cemetery or the funeral home in question. However, the incident has sparked discussions about the safety protocols at burial sites, particularly regarding the structural integrity of platforms and support systems used during ceremonies.
A Call for Accountability and Change
The shocking incident at Greenmount Cemetery has raised critical questions about the oversight and safety standards in cemeteries, particularly during burial procedures. While funerals are deeply emotional events, they are also highly orchestrated affairs where every detail—from the casket to the grave—requires careful planning. Any structural failure during such a moment not only endangers lives but adds emotional trauma to already grieving families.
What happened to the Aviles family underscores the importance of accountability within the funeral industry. Cemeteries and funeral homes are responsible not only for the deceased but also for the wellbeing of those in attendance. The collapse of the burial platform is not just an unfortunate accident; it is a potential case of negligence that demands investigation and reform.
The emotional toll on the Aviles family is immeasurable. Instead of reflecting on the life of their loved one, they must now deal with the psychological aftermath of a near-death experience and the horrifying image of family members being swallowed by the grave. The very space meant to offer peace and closure became a source of terror.
Experts in the funeral services industry have also weighed in, noting that platforms used in burial services should be inspected and maintained regularly to ensure they meet safety standards. Weather conditions, wear and tear, and material quality all play crucial roles in determining a platform’s safety. Neglecting these factors, especially in an older cemetery like Greenmount, can lead to tragic consequences, as seen in this case.
Furthermore, this incident could serve as a wake-up call for other cemeteries and funeral homes to reevaluate their safety measures. Grieving families deserve a safe, respectful, and dignified environment to mourn and say goodbye to their loved ones. No one attending a funeral should fear for their safety or that of others.
For the Aviles family, the road to healing will be long. Their grief has been magnified by an experience that no one should have to endure. As investigations continue and potential legal action looms, the hope remains that their tragedy will lead to systemic changes that prevent similar incidents in the future.
The collapse at Greenmount Cemetery was more than a moment of structural failure—it was a collapse of trust, dignity, and safety. In a time meant for mourning and remembrance, chaos took over, and a family’s grief turned into something far more traumatic.
If nothing else, this harrowing incident should prompt a reevaluation of safety and accountability within the burial and funeral industry. For the sake of future mourners and grieving families, the lessons from this tragedy must not be ignored.