A European vacation turned tragic for an Indian family from Nagpur, Maharashtra, when a road accident in Italy claimed the lives of a couple, Javed Akhtar, 55, and his wife, Nadira Gulshan, 47. The accident occurred on Thursday morning on the Aurelia Highway near Grosseto, Tuscany. Their three children, Arzoo Akhtar, 21, Shifa Akhtar, and Jazel Akhtar, sustained injuries and are receiving medical treatment in different hospitals.

The family had embarked on a 10-day tour of France and Italy on September 22. On the day of the accident, they were traveling in a nine-seater minibus to a sightseeing location in Tuscany. Reports indicate that a truck collided with a broken-down van being pushed on the roadside, subsequently hitting the Akhtars' minibus. Javed, Nadira, and the minibus driver died on the spot. The vehicle was completely wrecked in the collision.

Arzoo sustained severe head injuries and is in critical condition at Lee Scott Hospital in Siena. Shifa and Jazel are recovering in hospitals in Florence and Grosseto, respectively. Initial reports suggested delayed arrival of rescue teams; however, firefighters extracted the injured from the wreckage, and helicopters transported those with critical injuries to medical facilities. According to local news, Jazel contacted emergency services after regaining consciousness.

Javed Akhtar was a well-known hotelier and entrepreneur, owning the Gulshan Plaza Hotel in Nagpur.

The Indian Embassy in Italy has confirmed the deaths and is providing assistance to the family. In a statement, the embassy conveyed heartfelt condolences and assured full support, stating they are in contact with the family and local Italian authorities. "Our prayers for the speedy recovery of the injured family members who are undergoing treatment," the embassy posted on X.

Iqbal Azmi, a relative and retired deputy superintendent of police, mentioned that two family members have departed for Italy. District officials have also visited the family's home in Civil Lines, Nagpur.