Misfortune struck mourners in Mulanje when they plunged into a river after a bridge they were crossing buckled under their weight.

No one, however, sustained serious injuries.

The incident occurred on Tuesday in Makaula village in the area of T/A Mabuka.

According to Village Headman Makaula, the family of Peason Munembo lost a sons and burial was to take place across Chumani river in the village.

"As mourners and pall-bearers were crossing the dilapidated bridge, it gave and they plunged downstream. Since the coffin landed heavily, it ripped open and nearly threw out the corpse," explained Makaula.

The chief blamed the parliamentarian for the area for his turning deaf ears to the cry of the villagers to have the bridge rehabilitated.