Researcher Sergio Doná and family killed in BR-163 explosion

A fatal multi-vehicle collision and subsequent explosion on the BR-163 highway in Bandeirantes, Mato Grosso do Sul, has claimed the lives of researcher Sergio Doná and several family members. The victims include Doná’s father, José Doná, his mother, Natalina Perbelini Doná, and his sister, Ana Maria Doná Marques.

According to police reports, the accident occurred when a passenger vehicle crossed into the oncoming lane and struck a truck carrying bovine leather. The impact caused the truck to lose control, cross the highway, and collide with a fuel tanker. The resulting diesel leak triggered a massive explosion and fire. The driver of the vehicle that crossed the lane, Valderlanio Daniel Santos, also died at the scene.

Sergio Doná was a prominent agricultural researcher and director at the Agência Paulista de Tecnologia dos Agronegócios (APTA) in Assis. An agronomist with a master's degree in Tropical and Subtropical Agriculture, Doná was recognized for his extensive research on crops such as cassava, soy, corn, sugarcane, and fruit, particularly benefiting small and medium-sized producers in the Médio Paranapanema region. The Association of Scientific Researchers of the State of São Paulo (APqC) expressed deep condolences, noting his significant contributions to public agricultural research.