A man has died in a freak accident after falling into his father's grave when the headstone he was sitting on gave way. The incident happened just after 2.30pm at Sao Jose Municipal Cemetery in Linhares, in the north of the Brazilian state of Espirito Santo, around 400 miles north of Rio de Janeiro.
Victim at cemetery for friend's burial
The victim, aged around 40 and not yet named, had stopped at his father's final resting place before attending the burial of a friend in the same cemetery who had been killed in a traffic accident the day before. He sat on top of the gravestone, but it gave way, and he fell into the hole below.
Other visitors rushed to his aid after hearing a loud noise and called for an ambulance when they saw what had happened, but he was pronounced dead at the scene. Gravedigger Nazare Bravin said he arrived at the cemetery and asked where the friend's burial would take place before parking his motorbike and walking to the spot where his dad was buried.
Council expresses solidarity
Linhares Council said in a statement: 'We regret the incident that occurred yesterday afternoon at Sao Jose Cemetery in the Interlagos neighbourhood and express our solidarity with the family and friends at this time of grief.'
'The team that works inside the cemetery, which was on site, called the Samu ambulance service and the fire brigade, but despite their efforts to save this man, the victim unfortunately passed away.'
Investigation ongoing
A police investigation into the incident was ongoing. The council also referenced the upcoming All Souls' Day when cemeteries will be far busier than normal, adding: 'With the approach of the All Souls' Day holiday, there is an expectation of increased activity in the cemeteries of the municipality.'
'Therefore, the council emphasizes the importance of taking extra care during visits. We are responsible for the administration of the public spaces of cemeteries, including cleaning and maintenance services. The cleaning, washing, and maintenance of the tombs and graves are the responsibility of the families.'
