Posted on 05/30/2006 4:36:09 PM PDT by robowombat
Pacemaker Blamed As Explosion Inside Coffin Halts Cremation Posted on Saturday, May 27 @ 21:57:06 CDT
A MINOR explosion in a coffin rocked Carlisle’s crematorium after a funeral service yesterday afternoon. The cause is still being investigated – but it is believed to have been the result of a pacemaker being left inside a body.
It is understood that members of the family involved have been informed of what happened.
No-one was hurt in the incident and there was no disruption to funeral services or cremations.
The crematorium, in Dalston Road, is operated by the city council’s bereavement services department. It is the only one in north Cumbria.
A council spokesperson said: “There was a minor explosion within the crematorium’s cremator yesterday afternoon.
“The machinery continued to operate normally and there was no lasting damage.
“Staff members overseeing the machinery were unharmed and are investigating the possible cause.
“Cremations continued as planned and there were no disruptions to services.”
It is understood that prior to cremations, it is the responsibility of the family and funeral director to ensure that nothing is within a coffin which may cause an explosion.
In this instance, it is believed the go-ahead for the cremation had been given by two doctors.
Pacemakers should be removed before cremation.
My Dad had always complained about the same thing, he would say that he just wanted a simple pine box. He later decided on cremation rather than embalming and burial.
After he died, we went to the funeral home to make arrangements. When they showed us the coffin options for cremation, there was a simple plywood sheet with some sort of cardboard cover. Mom and us kids all looked at each other and said: "That's exactly what Dad would have chosen for himself!"
After his service was over, his brothers & sisters threw a big luncheon affair. That would have meant a lot more to Dad than some velvet lined maple box with brass handles.
Did the occupant of the coffin survive?
If you're alive, then it is a toss up whether the pacer or the nuker explodes first.
Either way, your hot pastry is ruined.
That wasn't in Rome. Rome is the county seat of Floyd County off of I-75 on the way to Chattanooga. Ray Brent Marsh was from way up in Walker County.
Only when heated to blast furnace temperatures.
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