A family vacation to Europe ended in heartbreak for a Nagpur couple, with well-known hotelier Javed Akhtar and his wife, Nadira Gulshan, losing their lives in a road crash in Italy on Thursday. The accident happened near Grosseto on the Aurelia Highway while they were travelling with their three children.

The Akhtars were riding in a nine-seater minibus heading to a tourist spot when a tragic collision occurred. Reports suggest that a truck hit a van stalled by the roadside, which then caused the minibus carrying the family and other Asian tourists to crash. Both Javed Akhtar, 55, and Nadira, 47, along with the minibus driver, died instantly.

Couple’s Children in Critical Condition

Their children Arzoo (21), Shifa, and Jazel were also involved in the crash. Arzoo sustained serious head injuries and is in critical condition at Le Scotte Hospital in Siena. Shifa and Jazel are recovering in hospitals located in Florence and Grosseto, respectively.

According to local news, after regaining consciousness, Jazel called emergency services to report the accident. However, reports indicated that rescue teams arrived later than expected. Eventually, firefighters extracted the injured from the wreckage, and due to the critical nature of their injuries, helicopters transported them to medical facilities.

Family was on a European trip

The family owns the Gulshan Plaza hotel near Sitabuldi flyover in Nagpur. They had begun their European tour in France on September 22 before traveling to Italy for sightseeing.

The Indian Embassy in Italy has confirmed the couple’s deaths and extended condolences. “The Embassy conveys its heartfelt and sincere condolences for the tragic loss of two Indian nationals from Nagpur in an accident near Grosseto. Our prayers for the speedy recovery of the injured family members who are undergoing treatment. The Embassy is in contact with the family and local Italian authorities. We are providing all assistance to the family,” the embassy posted on X.

CM Fadnavis Pledges Support to the Family

Maharashtra Chief Minister Devendra Fadnavis has pledged support, working with the Indian Embassy in Rome to facilitate the return of the deceased couple and ensure proper care for their children. Nagpur District Collector Vipin Itankar is also assisting the family in handling legal matters and logistics.

The accident has left the Nagpur community grieving as they await the survivors’ recovery and the return of their loved ones.