52-year-old ophthalmologist dies in rollover accident and fire in Maringá

Ophthalmologist Fábio Tokunaga, aged 52, died this Friday morning (14) after the car he was driving overturned and was consumed by fire in Maringá, in the north of Paraná. The accident occurred at around 11 am on Avenida Itororó, when the victim’s vehicle was hit by another car that advanced in the right-of-way.

Tokunaga was heading towards the center of the neighborhood and, after the side collision, he lost control, hit a tree and overturned. The fire started shortly afterwards and spread quickly throughout the car. He was alone in the vehicle and was trapped in the wreckage.

Teams from the Fire Department and Samu arrived at the scene minutes later, but were unable to access the victim in time due to the risk of explosion and the intensity of the flames.

Emergency care details

Samu’s doctor, Vinicius Ventura, reported that Tokunaga was already unconscious when teams arrived.

The driver’s legs were trapped in the hardware, which made any rescue attempt difficult.

Firefighters prioritized fighting the flames, but the intense heat prevented immediate approach.

Authorization to enter the vehicle would only be possible after complete control of the fire.

Collision dynamics

A vehicle driven by a female driver advanced into the right-of-way and hit Tokunaga’s car from the side.

After the impact, the victim’s car rolled and collided withcaught a tree on the edge of the avenue and overturned.

The same car that caused the accident also hit a third vehicle that was parked nearby.

The driver remained at the scene and provided information to the Military Police.

Forensics and investigation

The Scientific Police carried out an investigation at the site during the afternoon.

The work includes analyzing damage to vehicles and surveying braking marks.

The exact causes of the advance of the preferential option will be determined by the police investigation.

The Legal Medical Institute (IML) of Maringá received the body for additional examinations.

Note from the clinic where I worked

Oftalmocenter, where Tokunaga was clinical director, released an official note of condolence. The unit highlighted the doctor’s professional trajectory and dedication to patients over the years. The clinic suspended services this Friday as a sign of mourning.

Repercussion among colleagues

The Society of Medicine of Maringá expressed solidarity with the ophthalmologist’s family and colleagues.

Tokunaga’s cell phone sent an automatic accident alert to emergency contacts.

Relatives received notification and immediately traveled to the scene of the accident.

There is still no information about the date and location of the wake and burial.

Other involvement in the accident

The lawyer for the driver who caused the collision issued a statement stating that she is available to the authorities.

The driver expressed solidarity with the victim’s family through the statement.

There were no injuries in the other two vehicles affected.

Avenida Itororó remained closed for around three hours for assistance and examination.

• The accident occurred at 11 am on Avenida Itororó, towards the center of the neighborhood
• Side collision caused the car to lose direction and hit a tree
• The rollover was followed by a rapid fire in the engine and passenger compartment
• Victim was trapped by his legs and unconscious inside the vehicle
• Firefighters fought flames due to risk of explosion