Less than 12-hours, since the Missouri Highway Patrol's traffic crash counting period began, a fatal accident has been reported. 

It happened in Lawrence County, after 32-year old Mathew Gann of Mount Vernon reportedly crossed into the path of 38-year old Brandy Acheson of Sarcoxie.  Acheson died at the scene.  Gann was airlifted to a Springfield area hospital in serious condition. 

Both drivers were wearing their seatbelt.  The head-on collision occurred just before 5 a.m. Saturday morning four miles south of Mount Vernon on Route 39.  

The counting period began Friday at 6 p.m. and ends at midnight on Christmas.