Authorities say the vehicle that two missing North Platte teens were in when it plunged into the South Platte River has been located.

According to Lincoln County Sheriff Jerome Kramer, divers were placed in a platform at around 6:00 p.m., on Tuesday, and lowered into the river where sonar equipment had located what was believed to be a vehicle.

Kramer said the divers were able to lower down directly on top of the object and confirm that it was the vehicle that was being driven by Lexi Wiezorek.

According to Kramer, divers reported that the vehicle was completely buried and “silted in,” but a small portion of the roof and the windshield were exposed.

Kramer said a small opening in an area of the windshield allowed the diver to reach inside the vehicle, and he reported that the inside of the vehicle was completely full of silt as well.

“There is no way to retrieve the vehicle from the water until we’re able to dig it out with heavy equipment when the water level recedes,” Sheriff Kramer said.

Chief Deputy Roland Kramer said because the vehicle is 98 percent covered in sand inside and out, any attempt to pull the vehicle out would be unsuccessful because of the weight.

Chief Deputy Kramer said the National Weather Service told them earlier in the week that they projected the river would recede by June 15, however, recent rains have likely extended that date.

Authorities say the exact location of the vehicle has been marked using GPS, and will also be marked by surveyors to ensure they can easily relocate it when the river levels recede.

Officials are asking the public to stay away from the search area, and say any violators will be arrested and charged with trespassing.

The crane used in today’s operation was provided by Simon Contractors and the platform, which weighed around 3,600 pounds, was constructed by TK’s Welding.