Do Coffins Explode Underground?

Once a body is placed in a sealed casket, the gases from decomposing cannot escape anymore. As the pressure increases, the casket becomes like an overblown balloon. However, it's not going to explode like one. But it can spill out unpleasant fluids and gasses inside the casket.

What happens to a coffin in the ground?

As those coffins decompose, the remains will gradually sink to the bottom of the grave and merge. The coffin at the bottom will often be the first to collapse and may pull down the remains above it. Graves are dug by machine, where possible.

What causes a casket to explode?

A casket explodes or bursts when the body's decomposition doesn't have enough space to complete the entire process. As the body breaks down, it creates gases and fluids that must have room to be released.