A 50-year-old South African man who was declared dead by his family woke up in a morgue fridge nearly a day later, according to local health officials. The man, who suffered an asthma attack, was collected by an undertaker and placed in a refrigerated compartment.
Morgue owner Ayanda Maqolo said his driver checked the man's pulse and heartbeat before taking the body, finding no signs of life. However, 21 hours later, morgue staff heard shouting from inside the locked compartment and initially thought it was a ghost.
Maqolo, who was also frightened, called the police. 'I was glad they had their firearms, in case something wanted to fight with us,' he said. After police arrived, they entered the morgue together and found the man alive.
The man was taken to a hospital for observation and later discharged in stable condition. His family, who had been making funeral arrangements, were informed he was alive and are 'very happy to have him home,' Maqolo said.
Health department spokesman Sizwe Kupelo urged South Africans to have health officials confirm deaths before calling undertakers. Maqolo said he is still recovering from the ordeal, adding, 'I couldn't sleep last night, I had nightmares. But today I'm much better.'
