(KTTS News) – The Missouri State Highway Patrol has released the traffic statistics for the 2023 Christmas Holiday weekend.
According to the report, two individuals lost their lives in traffic crashes over the weekend.
Additionally, the patrol investigated 124 traffic crashes, 71 traffic crash injuries and 81 DWIs across the state.
The first traffic fatality happened on Saturday, December 23, 2023. Brian E. Powell, 28, of West Plains, MO, died when the vehicle he was an occupant of traveled off the road in a curve, struck three fences, and overturned. The crash occurred on Route ZZ, eight miles east of West Plains. Powell was not wearing a seat belt. The driver and two other passengers were taken to a local hospital with moderate injuries.
The other fatality occurred on Sunday, December 24, 2023. Mary L. Smith, 70, of Dupo, IL, died when the vehicle she was traveling in failed to negotiate a curve, traveled off the roadway, and struck an abandoned house. Smith was wearing a seat belt at the time of the crash. The driver of the vehicle was wearing a seat belt and sustained moderate injuries in the crash. The crash occurred on Route H in Freistatt, at the south city limits.
