PANIC IN A CEMETERY.

Gisborne Times, Volume XXX, Issue 3604, 17 August 1912, Page 4

PANIC IN A CEMETERY.

One man was killed, five people were very seriously injured, and two my slightly hurt at a funeral at' Greenwood Cemetery. Brooklyn. The funeral was that of Mr. Monoco, a rien manufacturer, who was a high Mason, and the ceremony was attended by a. large number of people. A large ditch had been dug surfieient for five graves, and four of these were covered with light- boards sprinkled with earth. It was not intended that the mourners should approach so near to the grave as to be in danger, but the press was so great that the chief mourners were forced upon the plot as tho coffin was being lowered into the grave.

•Suddenly there was a cracking of timber and loud cries of distress, and 40 persons who had been pushed forward fell into the ditch. A panic ensued. The people struggled wildly to got out, and several fell on the coffin, which was smashed. Those nearest the top scrambled out, hut those at the bottm were very badly hurt, and in several eases arms and legs were broken. "When the men were helped out of the grave it was found that one who was at tho .bottom had been killed, and five were so hadly hurt that they were taken to tho hospital. The coffin was temporarily repaired, and tho ceremony was concluded as quickly as possible. Among those who were injured were three relatives of the dead man and several of bis intimate friends.