Missouri reports nine traffic deaths over July Fourth holiday period

FOX23 News at 9 p.m

MISSOURI (KBSI) — Nine people were killed and 113 others were injured in 235 traffic crashes during the Missouri State Highway Patrol’s July Fourth holiday counting period.

The holiday enforcement period began at 6 p.m. Thursday, July 2, and ended at 11:59 p.m. Sunday, July 5.

According to preliminary statistics released Monday by the Missouri State Highway Patrol, troopers also made 125 driving while intoxicated arrests during the four-day period.

On Missouri waterways, troopers investigated three boating crashes that injured three people. No boating fatalities were reported, but three people drowned during the holiday period. Troopers also made nine boating while intoxicated arrests.

During the 2025 July Fourth holiday counting period, the patrol investigated 273 traffic crashes that resulted in nine fatalities and 138 injuries. Statewide, 13 people were killed and 414 were injured in 993 vehicle crashes over the same holiday period last year. Troopers also investigated 11 boating crashes in 2025.

The patrol said the 2026 figures are preliminary and could change if additional crash fatalities are reported or if victims later die from injuries sustained during the holiday weekend.