New York - (UPI) - A 59-year-old New York cemetery worker had to be rescued by firefighters after falling into an unfilled grave.

The man was preparing to fill a 7-foot grave when the ground under him gave way and he slid into the hole and was pinned against the coffin. Rain soaked dirt then began falling on top of the man, threatening to bury him alive.

The local fire department's "trench rescue" unit was called to the St. Charles Cemetery to rescue him.

The walls of the hole had to be shored up before the man was fastened to a backboard and lifted out.

The gravedigger was treated for neck, back and leg injuries.
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