Eight killed in Missouri crashes during Labor Day weekend

FOX23 News at 9 p.m.

JEFFERSON CITY, Mo., (KBSI) — Eight people died and 82 others were injured in traffic crashes across Missouri during the 2026 Labor Day holiday counting period, according to preliminary statistics from the Missouri State Highway Patrol.

The counting period began at 6 p.m. Friday, Sept. 4, and ended at 11:59 p.m. Monday, Sept. 7.

The patrol reported 213 traffic crashes and 123 arrests for driving while intoxicated during the holiday weekend.

Nine boating crashes were also reported, resulting in one injury. No boating fatalities or drownings were recorded. Troopers made five arrests for boating while intoxicated.

During the 2025 Labor Day counting period, the patrol investigated 252 traffic crashes involving four deaths and 123 injuries. Statewide, six people were killed and 423 were injured in 931 crashes during that period.

The 2026 fatality total remains preliminary and could change if additional deaths occur or other law enforcement agencies report fatal crashes.