Scores of people attended the funeral service of four siblings who died after an explosion when a gas tanker got stuck under a bridge in Boksburg on December 24. Eight people were killed in the blast, with the death toll later rising to 37.

Gerrie (10), Adrian (12) and Sebastian Brits (14) and their sister, Jamel Eales (16) as well as her boyfriend Ian de Lange, were walking home and stopped to take photos of the tanker stuck under the bridge when it exploded.

Eales, De Lange and Gerrie died instantly while Sebastian and Adrian later passed away in hospital.

The service for the siblings was held at Thrive Church in Parkdene, Boksburg yesterday.

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.