A dream European vacation for a Nagpur family turned into a nightmare after a tragic road accident in Italy claimed the lives of hotelier Javed Akhtar and his wife Nadira Gulshan. The couple was travelling with their three children when their vehicle met with a horrific collision on Thursday near Grosseto, Italy. The Indian Embassy in Rome has confirmed the deaths and assured that assistance is being extended to the grieving family.
Tragic End to a Family Vacation
According to reports, the accident occurred on the Aurelia Highway, a major route in central Italy. The Akhtar family was on a nine-seater tourist minibus heading for a sightseeing destination when tragedy struck.
The family had begun their European holiday from France on September 22, and Italy was among their final destinations. However, their journey was cut short when their minibus collided with a broken-down van that had been struck by a truck moments earlier.
Local authorities reported that three people were killed instantly—Javed Akhtar, his wife Nadira, and the driver of the minibus. The other passengers, including the Akhtars’ children, were severely injured.
Who Was Javed Akhtar?
Javed Akhtar, 55, was a well-known hotelier and entrepreneur based in Nagpur, Maharashtra. He owned the popular Gulshan Plaza Hotel located near the Sitabuldi flyover. Akhtar was known in business circles for his hospitality ventures and active involvement in the city’s trade community.
His wife, Nadira Gulshan, 47, was described by friends and relatives as a supportive partner and a devoted mother. Together, they were admired for their charitable contributions and for being pillars of the local community.
The couple was travelling with their three children—Arzoo (21), Shifa, and Jazel—who were all injured in the accident.
How the Accident Happened
Reports from Italian media outlets, including Italien.News, suggest that the accident occurred after a truck rammed into a stationary van on the highway. The minibus carrying the Akhtar family was unable to avoid the collision and crashed into the wreckage.
The impact was so severe that the minibus was completely mangled. Javed, Nadira, and the driver succumbed to their injuries on the spot.
Their daughter Arzoo suffered critical head injuries and is currently receiving intensive care at Le Scotte Hospital in Siena. The younger children, Shifa and Jazel, are recovering at separate hospitals in Florence and Grosseto.
Son’s Quick Thinking Helped Rescue Efforts
Amid the chaos following the collision, Jazel Akhtar reportedly regained consciousness and immediately called the local emergency helpline for help. Despite his quick thinking, local news reports claim that rescue teams arrived later than expected, delaying medical assistance to the victims.
Two fire department units were dispatched to the crash site to retrieve the injured passengers trapped in the wreckage. Owing to the severity of injuries, rescue helicopters were used to airlift victims to nearby hospitals.
Indian Embassy Extends Support
The Indian Embassy in Italy issued an official statement expressing deep sorrow over the loss of the two Indian nationals.
Indian officials are reportedly coordinating with Italian authorities to facilitate the repatriation of the bodies and ensure that the surviving family members receive proper care.
Community in Shock
The tragic deaths have sent shockwaves through Nagpur’s business and social community. Friends, relatives, and colleagues of the Akhtars expressed grief and disbelief over the sudden loss.
“Javed bhai was not just a businessman; he was a kind-hearted person who always helped others,” said one family friend. “It’s devastating to think their trip ended this way.”
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Local organizations in Nagpur have also come forward to assist with formalities and coordinate with the Indian authorities in Italy.
A Family Torn Apart
The tragedy highlights the unpredictable nature of road travel abroad and the emotional toll such incidents take on families. The Akhtar family’s once-joyful vacation—filled with plans to explore Europe together—ended in unimaginable loss.
As Arzoo fights for her life and the family’s younger members recover from their injuries, the entire Nagpur community is rallying around them with prayers and support.
The Indian government’s intervention and the embassy’s swift response have brought some solace to the grieving relatives back home. However, for those who knew Javed and Nadira, their absence will be felt for years to come.
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