Motorcyclist killed in crash involving 18-wheeler in east Houston

HOUSTON – A motorcyclist was killed in a crash involving an 18-wheeler on Tuesday in east Houston, according to the Houston Police Department.

The crash was reported just after 7 a.m. at 12555 Clinton Drive near Federal Road.

Police said the 48-year-old man driving a operating a black Kawasaki motorcycle at a high rate of speed eastbound when he attempted to pass a white 18-wheeler tractor trailer, also traveling eastbound, on its right side. 

As the truck driver was attempting to make a wide right turn into a business driveway, police said the motorcycle struck the truck.

Paramedics were called and pronounced the motorcyclist dead at the scene. The male truck driver was questioned and released.

Drivers were asked to avoid the area as officers investigated the scene.