Bella Montoya, 76, was initially taken to hospital by her son where she was confirmed dead (Picture: @AztecaNews / Twitter)
A woman who was declared dead miraculously woke up in her coffin during her wake.
Bella Montoya, 76, was taken to Martin Icaza Hospital in Babahoyo, Ecuador, by her son on Friday morning after she said she was feeling unwell.
Her son, Gilbert Rodolfo Balberan Montoya, said she had several heart conditions and hypertension.
Three hours later he was told his mum had died, and was given a death certificate which said she had suffered a cardiorespiratory arrest caused by an unspecified cerebrovascular disease.
She was then placed in a coffin at around 2pm, and her relatives opened it at around 4pm to change her clothes ahead of the funeral.
Footage was posted online showing her gasping for breath.
The person filming is heard saying: ‘We are here at 509 Olmedo Street, where a person who was declared dead in the hospital has been in the coffin since noon, and it turns out the lady is alive.
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The room was shocked when Bella started breathing in her coffin (Picture: @AztecaNews / Twitter)
She is now back in hospital recovering (Picture: @AztecaNews / Twitter)
‘At this moment, we can see that she has vital signs.
‘She is struggling to breathe; we called the emergency services, but they told us they will call us back and that there is no ambulance.’
Gilbert later told local media: ‘With her left hand, she was hitting the coffin, and her hand was pulsating. They even gave us a death certificate.
‘My mum is on oxygen. Her heart is stable. The doctor pinched her hand, and she reacted; they tell me that is a good sign because it means she is slowly responding.’
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It is thought Bella experienced catalepsy, which is a state of prolonged rigid posture, occurring in conditions such as schizophrenia, autism or anorexia.
She was taken to hospital where she remains while she recovers, as of the weekend.
Gilbert added: ‘I am slowly coming to terms with what has happened. Now, I only ask for my mother’s health to improve. I want her to be alive and by my side.’
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Bella Montoya, 76, was initially taken to hospital by her son where she was confirmed dead.