A road accident near Grosseto, Italy claimed lives of a Nagpur-based couple leaving their elder daughter critically injured and two other children hurt. The family, on vacation in Italy, met with the mishap on State Highway 1 Aurelia when their van collided with a mini-bus carrying Asian tourists. The deceased have been identified as Javed Akhtar (55), a resident of Civil Lines, Nagpur, and owner of Hotel Gulshan Plaza in Sitabuldi, and his wife Nadra Gulshan (47). The couple’s elder daughter Arzoo Akhtar (22) is in critical condition while younger daughter Shifa Akhtar (20) and son Jazel Akhtar (14) also sustained injuries in the mishap.

 

According to police, the van carrying the family collided with a nine-seater mini-bus on the northbound carriageway. Due to delayed assistance, three passengers in the van, including the couple, died on the spot. The mini-bus driver and other passengers escaped with minor injuries. The accident has left the family and the city of Nagpur in deep shock. Hotel Gulshan Plaza, a popular local hotel owned by the family, is also mourning the loss of its proprietor. Relatives in Nagpur are reportedly making arrangements to travel to Italy.

 

The Indian Embassy in Rome is coordinating with Italian authorities to assist the injured and the family members. Local police in Grosseto have launched an investigation to determine the exact cause of the accident. Meanwhile, the critically injured Arzoo, continues to fight for her life in a hospital and prayers are pouring in from Nagpur for the family’s recovery and peace.