Wake Held For Children Killed In Southwest Philadelphia Fire
By Diana Rocco
PHILADELPHIA (CBS) – Family and friends bid a final farewell to four children who lost their lives in a massive rowhome fire.
Four small caskets sit at the front of Divine Mercy Church Friday, four-year-old twins Maria and Marialla Bowah and brothers four-year-old Patrick Sanyeah and seven-week-old Taj Jacque.
"They were angels and we pray that they will shine blessings upon us," family member Moses Tohl said.
In a service family members remember the lives of the Liberian American children killed on Gesner Street more than a month ago when fire tore through their rowhome overnight. The Fire Commissioner has now ruled they cannot determine what started the inferno. The damage is too extensive.
"Until they share whatever their findings are, we don't have any comment at this time, Tohl said.
Five weeks ago, the fire started on the front porch of a home along the 6500 block of Gesner Street. Video shows the fire raging out of control. It damaged 13 rowhomes and five cars before it was contained. The family has criticized the fire department for not responding fast enough inciting anger in the neighborhood. Cousin Moses Tohl tells CBS 3 this day is not about that, but honoring the young lives lost.
"It is through the grace of God and the community that so many people have been helping us throughout as we go through this difficult process," he said.
The funeral for the children will held Saturday.
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