A tragic road accident in Italy has claimed the lives of Nagpur-based hotelier Javed Akhtar, 55, and his wife, Nadira Gulshan, 47. The accident occurred on Thursday on the Aurelia Highway near Grosseto, in the Tuscany region of Italy. The couple was traveling in a nine-seater minibus with their three children when the collision took place.
According to reports, the minibus, carrying a group of Asian tourists, was en route to a sightseeing stop when a truck rammed into a broken-down van, triggering a collision with the Akhtars' vehicle. Javed, Nadira, and the minibus driver died on the spot.
The couple's three children, Arzoo Akhtar, 21, Shifa Akhtar and Jazel Akhtar, sustained injuries in the accident. Arzoo suffered severe head injuries and is in critical condition at Lee Scott Hospital in Siena. Shifa and Jazel are being treated at hospitals in Florence and Grosseto and are reportedly out of danger. Jazel, 14, regained consciousness after the crash and was able to call the local emergency helpline for assistance. Some reports indicate a delay in assistance, contributing to the fatalities at the scene.
Javed Akhtar was a well-known hotelier and entrepreneur from Nagpur, Maharashtra. He owned the Gulshan Plaza Hotel near the Sitabuldi flyover in Nagpur. The Akhtar family had begun their European vacation on September 22, starting in France before arriving in Italy.
The Indian Embassy in Italy has confirmed the deaths and is in contact with the family and local authorities, providing assistance. The embassy conveyed its condolences and stated they are providing all possible support to the family. Maharashtra Chief Minister Devendra Fadnavis is also coordinating with the Indian embassy to expedite the repatriation of the bodies and ensure the care of the injured children. Nagpur District Collector Vipin Itankar has also sent urgent communication to the embassy to assist with legal formalities and support for the survivors.
The tragic incident has sent shockwaves through Nagpur, particularly among the hotel industry. Friends, relatives, and well-wishers have expressed deep grief and are awaiting updates on the return of the mortal remains.
