A funny incident within a serious situation is called comic relief. Comic relief is a literary device used in writing to interrupt a serious or tragic moment with a humorous or lighthearted one. The purpose of comic relief is to give the audience a brief moment of respite from the tension and seriousness of the main plot or story. This technique is often used in literature, movies, and plays to create a balance between serious and humorous moments. By introducing a funny incident within a serious situation, the writer can make the audience feel more emotionally connected to the characters and their struggles.