Search for driver of 18-wheeler that crashed into San Jacinto River

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The search has ended for the driver of an 18-wheeler that went off of the East Freeway and into the San Jacinto River early Thursday morning.

Harris County Sheriff Ed Gonzalez said that the submerged 18-wheeler could not be safely moved on Thursday and remained in the river overnight. 

Around 2:00 p.m. on Friday, an expert team of divers from Galveston was able to access the cab of the truck and extract the deceased adult male.

On Saturday, crews pulled the submerged 18-wheeler from the river. 

According to the sheriff's office, there was a car crash early Thursday morning near the East Freeway and Crosby-Lynchburg, resulting in the car spinning and coming to a stop facing oncoming traffic. Deputies say the 18-wheeler then struck the car, over-corrected and crashed through the guardrail and into the water.

The Harris County Sheriff's Office Marine Unit, Harris County HAZMAT, the Crosby Fire Department, and the Coast Guard are assisting in the search for the driver.

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