Death of researcher and family in accident on BR-163 shocks Mato Grosso do Sul
A serious traffic accident fatally killed scientific researcher Sergio Doná and his family on August 16, 2026. The tragedy occurred on BR-163, in the rural area of Bandeirantes, Mato Grosso do Sul, while they were traveling to a wedding. The collision between four vehicles resulted in four deaths and left other people injured.
The dynamics of the collision on BR-163 and the immediate consequences
The Mato Grosso do Sul Civil Police is investigating the accident, which occurred between kilometers 568 and 569 of BR-163, at around 3:10 pm. The first information indicates that one of the vehicles entered the opposite lane, colliding with a trailer. With the strong impact, the trailer lost control and entered the path of a tanker, triggering a large explosion.
Two other vehicles that were following directly behind the tanker were also involved, with no time to avoid the collision, further aggravating the incident. The sequence of events points to a chain of reactions that resulted in the devastation observed at the site.
Mourning in research: loss of Sergio Doná and his family
Sergio Doná, scientific researcher at the São Paulo Agribusiness Technology Agency (APTA), was on his way to his brother’s wedding when the accident happened. His father, mother and sister were also in the vehicle, and all occupants died at the scene of the tragedy.
The Association of Scientific Researchers of the State of São Paulo (APqC) deeply mourned his death on its official website, highlighting the loss for the scientific community. APTA and the São Paulo State Department of Agriculture and Supply also issued notes of condolence over the researcher’s death.
The progress of the criminal investigation by the Civil Police
The occurrence was registered by the Civil Police as manslaughter while driving a motor vehicle and culpable bodily injury while driving a motor vehicle, crimes provided for in articles 302 and 303 of the Brazilian Traffic Code. The authorities initiated a detailed investigative procedure to investigate all the circumstances of the accident.
The objective of the investigation is to clarify the causes that led to the invasion of the oncoming lane, the precise sequence of the collisions and the possible responsibilities of those involved. Expertise and field work continues to determine the facts accurately.
Sergio Doná’s legacy of scientific contributions
Sergio Doná was an agronomist and had a master’s degree in Tropical and Subtropical Agriculture. His career was dedicated to public research and agricultural development in the Médio Paranapanema region, in the interior of São Paulo.
- At APTA Regional de Assis, a unit that he headed, Doná developed and participated in several researches on important cultures for the region, such as:
- Cassava
- Fruit growing
- Soy
- Corn
- Sugar cane
He also worked on the regional evaluation of materials created by the Campinas Agronomic Institute (IAC) breeding program and actively participated in the transfer of these technologies to farmers. In fruit growing, he stood out for studies with the ‘Niágara Rosada’ vine, investigating rootstocks, productivity, production times, irrigation and control of diseases and pests. Their work focused on expanding production and income alternatives, especially benefiting small and medium-sized producers, in addition to monitoring fruit flies.
