Five killed in Missouri traffic crashes during New Year’s holiday, patrol reports

FOX23 News at 9 p.m.

JEFFERSON CITY, Mo., (KBSI) — Five people were killed and 87 others injured in traffic crashes across Missouri during the New Year’s holiday period, while no boating crashes or drownings were reported, according to the Missouri State Highway Patrol.

Col. Michael A. Turner, superintendent of the patrol, released preliminary statistics for the 2026 New Year’s holiday counting period, which ran from 6 p.m. Wednesday, Dec. 31, 2025, through 11:59 p.m. Sunday, Jan. 4, 2026.

Troopers investigated 187 traffic crashes statewide during that time, resulting in 87 injuries and five fatalities. Troopers also made 112 arrests for driving while intoxicated. No boating crashes or drownings were reported during the holiday period.

By comparison, during the 2024–2025 New Year’s holiday counting period, one person was killed and 118 were injured in 264 traffic crashes in Missouri.

The patrol noted that fatality totals could change if additional deaths are reported later or if other agencies submit fatal crash reports after the release. Officials also cautioned that the length of the New Year’s holiday counting period varies each year depending on the day of the week the holiday falls on.

Additional information about crashes and arrests is available on the Missouri State Highway Patrol website.