The patients suffered severe burns and are recovering at the NC Jaycee Burn Center. Friday they shared their stories.
All of the patients say they are grateful to be alive, but there is a long recovery ahead of them, according to the doctors managing their treatments.
The first patient ABC11 Eyewitness News spoke with is 23-year-old Jinel Masena. He showed us some of extensive injuries -- burns on his arms and hands.
He has had skin grafts and will need more.
Through a translator, he told ABC11 he was working in a factory when everything started shaking.
Friday was the first time all three patients have spoken to the media since the earthquake.
Marie Thomas, a 53-year-old street vendor, was cooking food when she was badly burned.
And the third victim, Eriek Louis, appeared to have the most serious injuries of all the patients, with burns all over his body.
Louis was near a gas station when it exploded. His wife carried him 10 miles to their home.
The patients will remain at the burn center for a least another week and then they will continue their recovery at UNC Hospitals.
Once they are moved, doctors will decide on a course of continued treatment.
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