The driver and passenger were enjoying a peaceful meal with a scenic view. Shortly after beginning their lunch, the driver exited the vehicle to dispose of trash, unintentionally neglecting to engage the parking brake. As a result, the car began to roll towards the water with the passenger still inside.
Emergency services were alerted to the situation around 01:30 PM and swiftly arrived at the Blossom Street Pier Ferry Terminal in Lynn, Massachusetts. They discovered the vehicle completely submerged in water.
During an interview with NBC10 Boston, the passenger, Gerry Cardona, recounted his efforts to prevent the car from descending down the ramp typically used by boats. Unfortunately, he was only able to lower the window and escape from the vehicle, ultimately saving his own life. He swam back to shore and was safely on land by the time the emergency services arrived.
Lynn District Fire Chief Joseph Zukas informed local media that Cardona was evaluated by paramedics but declined treatment and did not require hospitalization.
No individuals were injured in the incident, although the car endured several minutes submerged in water. Consequently, the fire and rescue department, along with G/J Towing and Recovery, worked to return the vehicle to solid ground. However, due to the damage sustained, the car will not be operational in the foreseeable future, if ever.
Saltwater exposure is detrimental to battery packs, and contact with saltwater can trigger a thermal reaction. Therefore, the vehicle will need to be monitored closely over the next few days. It is highly likely that the insurance company will declare it a total loss.
Contrary to initial reports, the submerged vehicle was not a Prius but a bZ4X crossover, which happens to be Toyota’s inaugural electric car. The model was introduced in April 2021 and entered production one year later. However, it has not achieved significant popularity in the market. Toyota was relatively late in joining the global electric vehicle movement, as most other automakers had already introduced their own electric models.
The bZ4X is available with either a front-wheel drive configuration and a single motor producing 201 horsepower, or a dual-motor setup generating 215 horsepower. The front-wheel drive variant utilizes a 71.4-kWh battery from Prime Planet Energy & Solutions, enabling a range of up to 317 miles (510 kilometers) before requiring a recharge. On the other hand, the all-wheel drive version is equipped with a 72.8-kWh battery pack sourced from CATL, offering a range of 286 miles (460 kilometers).
The specific version of the car that plunged into the ocean at the Lynn Ferry Terminal remains undisclosed. However, it is clear that none of the available models are designed for aquatic travel.
According to the Source autoevolution.com