The Washington Post
By Kathy McCormack
CONCORD, N.H. — It happened in a moment: The colored powder sprayed over a crowd
partying at a Taiwan water park ignited and engulfed hundreds — including a New Hampshire man who moved there to teach English — in flames.
Now, five months after he suffered burns over 90 percent of his body and prospects for his survival were grim, Alex Haas has made remarkable strides in his recovery: He can shower by himself, cook and even take care of the family dog.
“I’m just happy I can be pretty independent,” the 27-year-old told The Associated Press in a phone interview from his home in Mont Vernon.
Just a month ago, Haas had difficulty walking, sitting and standing. But that was a vast improvement from June, when his family rushed to his bedside after the horrific explosion that left at least 12 dead and more than 500 injured. [FULL STORY]