It is your worst nightmare.

The terrifying idea of being buried alive strikes fear into those who even consider the scenario. But for some that nightmare became a reality.

The book Premature Burial and How it May be Prevented  is filled with stories of people buried alive, stories more frightening than any horror movie.

Premature burials were so common throughout history that a number of safety coffins were designed during the 18th and 19th centuries, fitted with a mechanism to allow the occupant to signal that he or she was still alive.

Warning to the squeamish: stop reading now!

Among the terrifying tales of internment is the story of Madam Bluden, who when she 'died' in 1896 was buried in her family vault at the Holy Ghos