In a shocking twist to a tragic day, stunned relatives carrying the coffin of Rosa Isabel Cespede Callaca, 36, opened it and found their relative with her eyes open looking at them.

Rosa and the coffin were rushed to nearby Referential Hospital Ferrenafe on the back of a pickup truck where she was quickly hooked up to a life support machine.

Sheepish medics confirmed that she did have vital signs – albeit very low ones – and her condition improved slightly once on life support, giving hope that a miracle was in progress.

But Rosa’s condition then rapidly deteriorated and she passed away a few hours later.

Cemetery caretaker Juan Segundo Cajo said: ‘[She] opened her eyes and was sweating. I immediately went to my office and called the police.’