Funerals are often sombre events where family and friends gather to mark the dearly departed.
However, a funeral in Jurong East was disrupted when a struggle erupted around the coffin while it was being carried.
The fracas, which involved a large number of people, centred around a flower garland that was thrown onto the coffin and then pulled off.
Source: Shin Min Daily News on Facebook
It reportedly concerned two groups of people: The deceased’s family and a posse led by her boyfriend.
In a video shared on Facebook by STOMP, a group of people seem to be approaching the coffin from behind while it’s being carried.
Source: STOMP on Facebook
They’re carrying a blue garland, which they throw onto the coffin.
Source: STOMP on Facebook
However, the garland is almost immediately pulled off the coffin by other people.
Source: Shin Min Daily News on Facebook
A struggle then erupts, with lots of pushing, shoving and shouting.
At one point, the coffin also tips dangerously to one side.
Though it involves many people, it’s evident that there are two groups at the heart of the dispute.
Source: STOMP on Facebook
The uncle of the deceased told Shin Min Daily News that his niece had taken her own life due to emotional problems.
As such, the family didn’t want her boyfriend to see her one last time or even lay flowers.
However, he and a group of friends allegedly disrupted the funeral by shouting and pushing people, including the elderly, he said.
They also allegedly tried to block the hearse and push the coffin out of it.
The family called the police, who were waiting for them at Mandai Crematorium, the uncle added.
The incident took place on 19 Nov at Block 247 Jurong East Street 24, according to STOMP.
Source: Google Maps
Based on a police report seen by the citizen journalism website, the deceased’s father claimed the boyfriend brought more than 20 people.
While the coffin was being moved from his flat to the hearse, the group allegedly tried to throw flowers onto the coffin, pushing people in their way. A few people fell down, he said.
They also allegedly tried to pull down the coffin and block the hearse.
They left when the police came, he added, and didn’t follow them to the crematorium as the police were there.
The police confirmed to STOMP that a report had been filed.
However, a witness told STOMP a slightly different story.
Though the boyfriend’s group did try to put the garland onto the coffin, it was the deceased’s family who allegedly pulled at the coffin, they claimed.
This was so that they could remove the flowers and throw them on the ground, they said.
The witness, who isn’t related to anybody there, also accused the deceased’s family of causing the scuffle as they refused to let the boyfriend see her for the last time.
MS News extends our heartfelt condolences to the deceased’s loved ones. May she rest in peace.
If you or anyone you know is struggling with mental health, here are some hotlines to reach out to for support:
Also read: Woman In Jurong Allegedly Throws Plates At Coffeeshop & Disturbs Funeral, Faces 4 Charges
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Featured image adapted from Shin Min Daily News on Facebook and STOMP on Facebook.
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