Thanks for sharing the rest of the album. It's interesting how the car almost looks intact from the front in pic #39, yet in others (such as #20, or many interior shots), it is barely recognizable, other than to Prius or automotive fans... Hopefully you didn't lose any valuable possessions (aside from the car itself, such as laptops, camera, etc.) in this unfortunate event.
I almost lost all of the things you mention. My wife had picked me up at the airport. Although I was driving she had the SKS transmitter in her purse. She wisely moved away when we stopped. When I began to see the fire might not be easily put out, I tried to open the hatch, but it was locked. Inside was my suitcase (new, a gift from my wife) and my backpack with laptop, Kindle, and camera among other things. Because she (with the SKS) was too far away I couldn't open the hatch. What happened next is unclear. She thinks she gave me the SKS. I have no memory of it. But she did get close enough or I came to her and the hatch came open. I yanked the luggage out of the back and put down the hatch. In the process the SKS was lost. We searched the grass afterward and each thought the other had it. We never found it. But I was able to grab my little Canon digital from my backpack and start snapping pictures, since there was nothing else to do but watch it burn. This may make it sound like we were panickly, but we weren't. It was like the whole thing was in slow motion. There were no tears, no screams, just the slow realization that we were going to lose our Prius.
Fascinating photos. It looks like the traction battery was totally burnt up, as I do not see the metal case in your photos of the hatch. Did you notice whether it was still there, or was it buried in ashes?
Good question. I don't know and I was afraid to poke around in there to find out. Most everything that remained was metal and there were loose, uninsulated wires everywhere. If the battery did survive it wouldn't have been in a very good mood. Also, I did not see the 12V battery. Isn't that in the rear?
I do believe the 12V battery is on the passenger side visible under the small side cover in the cargo area. I saw it the other day while trying to find the spare tire. Coming from a 2002 Prius, things are a little different on the '04. Our 2002's 12v is on the driver's side just behind the wheel well and is visible through a flimsy flap in the faux carpet. I'm sure the 12v battery would have completely melted. It's just a small hunk of plastic and lead.
Glad to know you're ok and the belongings too. Just curious on the aftermath: Did you file the police report on the spot for this incident? And did you follow the burned Prius to the junkyard or just head home directly (How then, Calling a cab?)
I'm wondering how the pollution from emitted the fire compares to the pollution reduced by the catalytic converter. The replacement Prius looks like a beauty. Hope you enjoy it for many miles.
I asked the police who were at the scene about taking a report and they said it wasn't needed, although I could file a "walk-in" report if needed. The insurance company didn't ask for a report. The tow driver offered to take us home, but we were able to call a relative to pick us up. Some bystanders also offered to give us a lift. One thing I took away from this: the folks in my neck of the woods are really nice and supportive in times of trouble. I wanted to pay to replace the fire extinguishers they used, but they left before I could catch up with them. One person even dumped his water bottle on the fire -- not much help but it's the thought that counts.
wow!! a few years ago a young attractive women was blinded and disfigured due to an unsecured load on a freeway in WA State. this created "Maria's Law" that increased fines for unsecured loads. as it was, the driver in her case was fined and did no jail time. he would have been fined more for driving with no insurance. now the fine is much higher and does carry jail time for extreme cases (probation is more likely, but at least its now an option)
