Bodies in Colombian Mountain Town Spontaneously Mummifying, Puzzling Scientists and Fascinating Locals

In the Colombian mountain village of San Bernardo, an eerie phenomenon has resulted in spontaneous mummification.

Contrary to traditional preservation methods, the deceased residents of this town have mummified naturally, with their clothes, hair and even eyes remarkably intact.

Discovered initially in the 1950s when the village cemetery was relocated due to flooding, the petrified corpses, dating back to the last century, have puzzled and intrigued locals and visitors alike, Science Alert reported.

What began as a few isolated cases soon escalated, with dozens of mummified bodies unearthed each year in the 1980s.

Today, a selection of the best-preserved specimens is showcased in the Jose Arquimedes Castro Mausoleum, offering a glimpse into the mysterious phenomenon.

Visitors can witness the well-preserved features of the individuals, some even recognizing loved ones among them.

The reasons behind this natural mummification remains unclear. While some locals attribute it to the virtuous lives led by the deceased, others view it as a form of divine punishment.

Some theories point to the villagers' diet, while others suggest the dry, above-ground burial vaults as potential factors.

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Anthropologists and experts have yet to conduct thorough studies to pinpoint the exact conditions conducive to this unique preservation process.

Still, many villagers remain steadfast in their belief that there's a divine purpose behind the phenomenon.