One of our deputies was on scene at a wreck during our recent severe weather. During the incident, lightning struck the vehicle and fried it.
Deputy is ok, the tahoe...not so much.
The lightning looks like it hit his police radio antenna (there are bits of antenna melted into the roof of his vehicle).

So my question is:
Is there a manual override for the rear hatch? We have a cage between the rear seat and the rear storage area (so no access from front). Also the electronic hatch mechanism is obviously no longer operational after the strike. We have some police toys in the back area that we need to get out.
Thanks

Attached is the pic I sent in with the news blurb (tahoe not pictured)

 

I don't know of any manual release for the hatch. Check with a dealer to see if they know of one.

 

The tahoe is going to the stealership tomorrow per the insurance company. If we can't get inside then we will let the experts handle it.

I called the dealership last week and they stated that if we remove the rear handle we can pull two linkages to open the hatch...or something like that. We were unable to remove rear handle & we were afraid to break anything.

 

let them deal with it, they get paid to.

 

Just an update for those watching. The Tahoe was FINALLY totaled by TAC (texas association of counties). We are replacing with a 2015 4x4 PPV. Of course pics will be posted when it arrives.

 

Thanks for the update! look forward to seeing the pictures of the new PPV!

 

WOW! The TAC works at the speed of light. Only took four months to total.