Nagpur family on vacation in Europe killed in road accident
What's the story
A Nagpur-based Indian family vacationing in Europe met with a tragic road accident in Italy. The victims have been identified as Javed Akhtar, a 55-year-old hotelier and entrepreneur, and his 47-year-old wife Nadira Gulshan. The couple was traveling with their three children, identified as Arzoo Akhtar (21), Shifa Akhtar, and Jazel Akhtar, when the accident occurred on the Aurelia Highway near Grosseto.
Crash investigation
Family was on sightseeing trip
The family was headed for a sightseeing trip in a nine-seater minibus when the accident happened. Local reports suggest that a truck rammed the broken-down van that was carrying the tourists. Both Akhtar and Gulshan died on the spot, along with the driver of the minibus. Akhtar, 55, was a renowned hotelier and entrepreneur from Nagpur, where his family owns the Gulshan Plaza hotel.
Medical response
Daughter Jazel called for help after regaining consciousness
Arzoo suffered critical head injuries and is being treated at Lee Scott Hospital in Siena. Shifa and Jazel are recovering at hospitals in Florence and Grosseto, respectively. After the accident, Jazel called a local helpline for help upon regaining consciousness. According to reports from Italien.News, rescue efforts were delayed as two fire department teams took time to reach the scene of the accident. Once the severity of the injuries was noted, rescue helicopters flew the victims to the hospitals.
Diplomatic support
Indian Embassy in Italy expresses condolences
The Indian Embassy in Italy has confirmed the deaths and is assisting the family. They have expressed their condolences on X, saying, "The Embassy conveys its heartfelt and sincere condolences for the tragic loss of two Indian nationals from Nagpur in an accident near Grosseto." The embassy also said they are in touch with local authorities.