Trunklid open message and won't open - HELP PLEASE!

[MrAirbags]

Hi guys, old timer here, but infrequent poster. I hope my friends here are all doing ok.

Question -- My wife's 2005 X5 4.4i's liftgate won't open via the keyfobs OR the button near the shifter. Her X5 has the softclose latching. We read the manual to find out how to manually open the lid.

Now, the lights stay on in the back, and we cannot get the hatch open except manually. I fear the lights are going to drain the battery dead.

I did a search here, and found the trunklid open/felt tape/foam thread, but it doesn't quite seem to address the issue of not getting the trunklid open except manually.

Any help would greatly appreciated; I fear a dead battery tonight if I don't get this figured out!

Much thanks!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!