Explosion tragedy: Family bids farewell to siblings
The family was supported by scores of community members.
Scores of people attended the funeral service for four siblings, Gerrie (10), Adrian (12) and Sebastian Brits (14) and their sister, Jamel Eales (16), killed in the tanker blast.
The service was held at Thrive Church, Parkdene, on January 5.
The children and Jamel’s boyfriend, Ian de Lange, died while walking home. They had stopped to take photos of the tanker stuck under the bridge.
The siblings were cremated on January 6.
Their aunt, Elza Eales, said she already misses them.
“I loved all the children, and I’m taking this opportunity to say goodbye to them. We will meet again in heaven. I hope you are all in a good place.
“As for Jamel, she was my friend, and I spent a lot of time with her. What has happened to us is devastating,” she said.
Brian Eales, the grandfather of the siblings, said he sends his love to them in heaven.
“My heart is broken and painful about your death. I will miss you a lot because you came to greet me every single morning. One comfort is that we will see you all again someday. We will take time to heal.”
Pastor Stephen Leicher said the families must take time to live, laugh, cry and celebrate their loved ones.
“We have come here to celebrate the lives of Adrian, Gerrie, Sebastian and Jamel. They have been recruited to the throne of Jesus Christ,” he said.
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