Auto body repair & detailing: 98 Ford Explorer broken rear hatch, rear hatch, ford explorer

Question
I can unlock and open the glass part of the hatch but can't use the handle to lift the gate.  How do I get it open to see where the problem is and fix it?  (I assume it's the handle that needs replacing but need to open it first)

Answer
From past experience with other models, look at a new handle, find out where it bolts to the hatch and drill those out. Use an eighth inch bit first, then a five sixteenths bit. With the old handle out of the way, you should be able to open the hatch with the linkage rod. The only other way would be to remove the inside trim and that is not easy with the door closed.