Miracle recovery of four children rescued from Lake Lanier boat explosion

Two young siblings who somehow survived a horrorboat explosion this month say they feel "blessed" to come home from hospital.

Faith Arnold, 12, and her 10-year-old brother Caleb acknowledge things "could have been worse" following the explosion on July 4. The boat on which they, their four siblings and mum and dad were travelling quickly became engulfed in flames on Lake Lanier, a reservoir in Georgia, US, on July 4 - Independence Day.

Speaking from the family home, Faith said: "This could have been worse, something could have happened even worse than this... It’s a blessing to be home, God had us through this whole thing... Everybody was just going crazy. We had to climb on top of the boat to get on the rescue boat, and it was just a lot going on."

Faith, Caleb and their two younger siblings - including five-year-old Michael - spent days in hospital receiving treatment for third-degree burns following the fire. Their mother remains in hospital, it is thought, with less severe burns.

READ MORE: Sutton Park death: Tragedy as body of teenage boy is pulled out of lake

The horror happened after the family had enjoyed sandwiches on their family boat and played in the water at Lake Lanier. As they headed back towards shore, the father turned on the blower fans but the engine would not start, so he called a tow and said they could not determine the problem either.

When they tried to crank it again, the boat exploded. Footage taken on a mobile phone shows flames roar from the vessel and thick, black smoke billow into the sky.

But the family was rescued and Faith, Caleb and little Michael spoke to Atlanta News First today about the experience. Caleb, who is looking forward to playing football again, said: "It was real hot... I thought I was going to die but my mum came and saved me."

And Faith is now determined to return to her passion - dancing. The brave youngster told the TV channel: "I don't feel no pain... Dancing is my number one thing."

A GoFundMe page has been created to help the family, from Jonesboro, Georgia, cover medical bills, treatment and medical supplies, and support the mother while she remains in hospital. More than $1,000 (£741) has been raised so far but the family hope to reach the target of $20,000 (£14,800) soon.

The page reads: "Every dollar helps us take one step closer to healing — physically, emotionally, and financially. If you can’t donate, please share this with your friends and family. And please keep us in your prayers. Thank you so much for your love, support, and compassion during this dark time."