A sudden and tragic accident shocked the family and mourners at Greenmount Cemetery. The incident occurred during the funeral of Benjamin Aviles, who passed away unexpectedly on March 21. He died at his home in Philadelphia due to complications related to heart problems. His family gathered to lay him to rest on a Friday afternoon, but what was meant to be a peaceful farewell turned into a terrifying moment. It became a funeral disaster that no one could have anticipated.
Platform Collapse During Burial Ceremony
As the pallbearers were carefully lowering the coffin into Benjamin’s grave, disaster struck. The platform they were using collapsed without warning. This caused the pallbearers to tumble into the grave along with the coffin, turning the scene into a funeral disaster. The shocking incident was caught on video by family members who were present. The scene quickly turned chaotic, with mourners running to help those trapped under the coffin and platform.
The collapse not only caused panic but also left the family feeling devastated. They were already grieving the loss of Benjamin, and now they were faced with a terrifying situation that disrupted the ceremony. This funeral disaster added to their sorrow.
Benjamin Aviles’ Son Trapped Beneath the Coffin
One of the most horrifying moments of the incident was when Benjamin Aviles’ son was trapped under the coffin. His stepdaughter, Maribelle Rodriguez, described the scene to ABC6. “The casket lay on top of him, and he was unconscious, with his face in the mud,” Rodriguez explained. It was a terrifying experience for the family as they struggled to free him from beneath the heavy coffin.
Though the son was injured, his injuries were not life-threatening. He suffered bruises and some cuts, but he is expected to recover fully. Despite the scary moment, the family remained grateful that no one was seriously hurt throughout the funeral disaster.
Family Blames Cemetery and Funeral Home
The family pointed out that the platform used to lower the coffin into the grave was in poor condition. They felt that the cemetery and funeral home were responsible for the accident. Maribelle Rodriguez described the platform as “wobbly” and “soaked.” She mentioned that the wood appeared to be wet, which made the platform unstable. She added that the entire setup felt shaky, which could have been a warning sign that something was wrong.
The family believes that the cemetery and funeral home should take responsibility for the incident. “The ceremony was interrupted, and nothing went right. They should apologize,” Rodriguez said. She also mentioned that the family felt they should be reimbursed for the disruption. The family members were in shock, and the accident made a difficult day even harder to bear. This added to the magnitude of the funeral disaster.
Pallbearers Suffer Minor Injuries, Recovering Well
The pallbearers, who were injured in the fall, suffered cuts, bruises, and some strains to their backs, hands, and legs. However, none of the injuries were severe. They were all treated at the scene or taken to the hospital for further evaluation. Thankfully, they are expected to recover fully and continue with their lives.
The family expressed their gratitude that the injuries were not more serious. They were relieved that no one was seriously harmed in what could have been an even worse accident. While the day was tragic and shocking, they were thankful for the support they received from each other during such a difficult time. This sentiment helped them cope with the funeral disaster.
Remembering Benjamin Aviles: A Man of Many Talents
Benjamin Aviles, known as “Benji” to his family and friends, was born in Lares, Puerto Rico. He eventually moved to North Philadelphia, where he became known for his many talents. Benji had a natural ability to fix cars. He was entirely self-taught and could solve any car problem. His family fondly remembered him as someone who always had a solution for any mechanical issue.
In addition to working on cars, Benji loved fishing and traveling with his beloved wife. He also had a passion for sports, particularly boxing and football. He spent many hours cheering for his favorite teams, always showing his excitement and enthusiasm.
Benji was not just a skilled mechanic and sports fan; he was also a devoted family man. He was a loving husband, a dedicated father to his son, and a caring father figure to his stepdaughters. Benji was also a proud grandfather to four grandchildren. His family described him as a man of great integrity, kindness, and strength. He was always there for his loved ones, offering love and support whenever needed.
In the end, Benjamin Aviles will be remembered not just for the tragedy of his funeral, but for the life he lived and the love he gave to those around him. Even amid the funeral disaster, his legacy remains strong.
