A junk truck was also left behind by him.
Michael Hale was not focused on his Ford Mustang when he saw the video of the lava flowing over it. He instead focused on the R2-D2 mailbox next to the Mustang, which his daughter had given him as a Christmas gift.
In an interview, Hale stated that “that had sentimental value,” WXChasing.com said. “The Mustang, I have other cars.”
Hale was working on his Mustang before the eruption and the six to ten earthquakes that followed the lava flow on Kilauea, Hawaii. It was too late for him to save it and it needed to be jumped. He did save several vehicles, though, before he sought refuge. They are vital for a small car-rental company. As he raced with his friends to gather his other possessions, the Mustang was pushed to the bottom.
He said that he had friends who moved cars before the eruption. “We actually moved all but two cars. The Mustang and a junktruck. It was the Mustang I was currently working on. It needed a jump at the moment.”
Hale didn’t think about the Mustang, he was just trying to save as much as possible.
He said, “My mind was all over… what do you grab?” My mind is completely blank. It all looks like junk. It’s all useless. We’re here to grab them, and they want to know what we have. I suggest that you grab anything that looks valuable.
The natural disaster has destroyed at least 26 structures and engulfed 104 acres of the island. An estimated 1,700 people have been affected by the eruption so far.
Since the viral video of Hale’s Mustang being submerged in water went viral, there has been a flood of support for Hale.
Through tears, Hale stated that “I’m up-and-down” “The love I hear from everyone else is giving me support. I’ll be alright.