VIVISEPULTURE

Premature burial, also known as live burial, burial alive, or vivisepulture, refers to the act of being buried while still alive. Animals, including humans, may be buried alive accidentally on the mistaken assumption that they are dead, or intentionally as a form of torture, murder, or execution. It may also occur with the consent of the victim as a part of a stunt, with the intention to escape. Taphophobia, the fear of being buried alive, is reported to be among the most common phobias.