Unusual discovery of a third leg found in coffin in Belgium

Saturday 08 March 2025 - 16:30

By: Dakir Madiha

Unusual discovery of a third leg found in coffin in Belgium

In a startling incident in Dessel, Belgium, a funeral director made an unexpected find while preparing a deceased individual for cremation. During the process, he discovered a third leg in the coffin, an occurrence described as "embarrassing."

The director of Dries Uitvaartzorg promptly reported the peculiar situation to the police, as well as to the institution that had received the body, the Astarc (Centre for Training, Anatomy, and Surgical Research) at the University of Antwerp. This institution utilizes donated bodies for educational purposes, scientific research, and the practice of new surgical techniques, as reported by local media outlet Gazet Van Antwerpen.

Upon investigation, the university confirmed that this unusual situation arose during a "meticulous inventory." Peter De Meyer, the university spokesperson, clarified that the leg in question was intended for freezing for other purposes.

The funeral director also alerted the authorities regarding this incident. However, Kato Belmans, spokesperson for the prosecution, quickly established that it was a case of "human error." In light of the embarrassing situation, the university extended "sincere apologies." "Our colleagues always treat bodies donated to science with great respect. In the future, we will work even more precisely to prevent errors," emphasized De Meyer.

This "human error" raises questions about whether it stemmed from an increased number of bodies delivered for scientific study. According to the university spokesperson, there has indeed been "a rising trend," with 116 bodies received in 2024 compared to 97 in the previous year and 85 in 2022.