Man Dies After Falling Into Father’s Grave in Brazil

(Emergency services at the scene. Photo Credit: Handout/SUR in Engish )
A man, believed to be about 40, died after a gravestone gave way under him at Sao Jose Municipal Cemetery in Linhares, Espirito Santo State, northern Brazil.

The incident happened shortly after 2.30pm on Wednesday.

He had visited his father's grave before going to the burial of a friend who died in a traffic accident the day before.

He sat on top of the gravestone, it broke, and he fell into the grave below.

Other visitors rushed to help, and an ambulance and firefighters were called, but he was pronounced dead at the scene.

A gravedigger said the man parked his motorcycle and walked straight to his father's grave after asking where his friend's burial would be.

Police are investigating how the death happened.

The Linhares council said it was sorry for the loss and urged visitors to take care as cemeteries get busier ahead of All Souls' Day.

It said the council looks after public cemetery grounds, while families are responsible for maintaining individual graves.