Three Killed in Christmas Eve Traffic Crash

Jefferson City, Mo. (KFMO) - The Missouri State Highway Patrol reported three fatalities during the 30-hour Christmas holiday traffic counting period, which began at 6 p.m. Tuesday, December 24, and ended at 11:59 p.m. Wednesday, December 25, 2024.

Troopers investigated 65 crashes statewide, resulting in 38 injuries and three fatalities. All three deaths occurred in a single crash on Christmas Eve in St. Francois County.

A 28-year-old woman from Valley Mines was driving south on Route OO, south of Route F, when her vehicle veered off the road and struck a tree. She was pronounced dead at the scene. Tragically, two children in the vehicle, a six-year-old boy and a four-year-old boy, also died from their injuries. Both children were in safety restraints. The six-year-old was pronounced at Parkland Health Center in Farmington, while the four-year-old was pronounced at St. Louis Children’s Hospital.

Despite the fatalities, no crashes or deaths were reported on Christmas Day, and there were no boating incidents or drownings during the holiday period.

For comparison, the 2023 Christmas counting period lasted 78 hours and recorded 1,034 traffic crashes, resulting in three fatalities and 346 injuries. Troopers investigated 124 of those crashes, including two fatalities and 71 injuries, and arrested 81 individuals for driving while impaired.

Authorities continue to stress the importance of driving sober and using seat belts to prevent further tragedies on Missouri’s roads.