Relatives of a 76-year-old woman in Ecuador were left astounded when they heard knocking sounds emanating from her coffin during a vigil, despite her having been pronounced dead by a doctor.
The incident unfolded at Martín Icaza Hospital in the city of Babahoyo, Ecuador. The elderly woman had been admitted on Friday due to suspected stroke and cardiac arrest. Unfortunately, all resuscitation attempts failed, leading an on-call doctor to officially declare her deceased, as confirmed by Ecuador's health ministry.
Following the doctor's pronouncement, the woman's body was transported to a funeral home, where her grieving family and relatives gathered to pay their respects during a vigil later in the day. However, as the hours passed, an inexplicable turn of events startled everyone present.
"It scared us all," shared the woman's son in an interview with AFP. "After about five hours of vigil, the coffin began to make noises. My mother, who was wrapped in sheets, was hitting the coffin, and when we got closer, we could see that she was breathing heavily."
Realizing that their loved one was indeed alive, the family wasted no time and promptly arranged for her immediate return to the hospital. As of the latest update on Monday, she remains in intensive care, with her condition described as serious. Unfortunately, the doctors are not optimistic about her chances of survival, according to the son's account.
In response to this shocking incident, Ecuador's Ministry of Health has initiated an investigation into the medical professionals involved in the woman's care. Furthermore, a committee has been established to thoroughly review and assess the hospital's procedures for issuing death certificates.
The occurrence has left the family and the wider community bewildered, raising concerns about the accuracy of death declarations and the overall quality of medical care. As the investigation unfolds, it is hoped that lessons will be learned and measures implemented to prevent similar occurrences in the future.
This incident serves as a sobering reminder of the fragility of life and highlights the critical importance of accurate medical assessments in ensuring the well-being of individuals.
