Officials release video of flood victim's SUV driving into high water

City officials released a video on Wednesday afternoon showing a young woman driving around a highway barrier and into high water.



The incident occurred Monday in the early-morning hours at the eastbound Westpark Tollway exit to Post Oak. The body of 25-year-old Claudia Melgar was found on Tuesday.

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The Harris County Toll Road Authority released the roadway camera footage in compliance with a Public Information Request. The footage shows Melgar’s vehicle entering the high water and becoming fully submerged.

Melgar avoided a tow truck driver blocking the Westpark Tollway exit ramp onto South Loop 610 at 6 a.m. A dashcam video at the scene shows a toll road worker chasing the SUV as it passes the barrier. Investigators estimate that Melgar drove into about 17 feet of water.

The body of Claudia Melgar, whose vehicle became submerged in high water, was found on Tuesday. The body of Claudia Melgar, whose vehicle became submerged in high water, was found on Tuesday. Image 1 of / 78 Caption Close Officials release video of flood victim's SUV driving into high water 1 / 78 Back to Gallery

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