Highway Patrol: Two deaths, seven drownings over holiday travel period
Two people died in a head-on collision and seven people drowned between Thursday, December 24 to Sunday, December 27 during the Christmas holiday travel period.
The Missouri State Highway Patrol investigated 282 traffic crashes, which included 78 injuries and two fatalities.
The deadly crash happened on Christmads Day on Interstate 70 in St. Louis County. Troopers said Alberto Arevlao was driving westbound in the eastbound lane when he hit Danilo Magparangalan head-on. Both were pronounced dead at the scene. Four passengers in Magparanglan’s car received minor to serious injuries.
Six people drowned in their vehicles after being swept away by flood waters in Pulaski County on Saturday, December 26. Two of the victims have been identified as Ron Gray, 53, and Sandra Tilley, 50, both from Dixon. Sheriff Ron Long said the other four victims were international soldiers who were stationed at Fort Leonard.
Another drowning happened Sunday in Springfield. Steven L. Welton, 42, of Springfield, MO, drowned after his vehicle was washed off Missouri Route CC at Simms Branch Creek.
The Missouri State Highway Patrol also arrested 47 people for drinking and driving.
In 2014, troopers investigated 284 traffic crashes, which included 91 injuries and five of the 14 fatalities. No one drowned during the Christmas 2014 counting period.
