Mistaken for Dead
Accounts of premature burial date back centuries. Philosopher John Duns Scotus was reportedly found outside his coffin, hands bloodied, after being buried alive. In 17th-century England, Alice Blunden was buried after drinking poppy tea, only to awaken underground. By the time she was exhumed—twice—it was too late.
Modern Medicine Fails
Even modern times aren’t free from such horrors. In 2011, Fagilyu Mukhametzyanov awoke during her funeral in Russia, only to die minutes later from heart failure. Walter Williams of Mississippi was declared dead in 2014, only to start moving in a body bag. He passed away two weeks later.
Safety Coffins
The fear of premature burial inspired 19th-century inventions like “safety coffins.” Designs featured air inlets, bells, and alarms to signal life. Some even included ladders or spring-loaded rods to aid escape. Although rare today, the fear spurred remarkable ingenuity.
Technology for the Afterlife
Recent patents, like caskets with audio systems or solar-powered music players, highlight continued innovation. While technology now prevents premature burial, these devices serve as reminders of humanity’s deep fears—and its drive to address them.
Centuries of chilling accounts reveal the terror of premature burial. Philosopher John Duns Scotus was found outside his coffin, hands torn and bloodied. In 17th-century England, Alice Blunden woke twice after burial but tragically died before being saved.🧵1/4👇 pic.twitter.com/i2UWbyQvmF
— Detective Tiger’s Stories (@TigerDetective) January 12, 2025