Indian couple killed in road accident in Italy

Two Indians were killed in a road accident when a van collided with a nine-seater minibus on Thursday morning in Grosseto, Italy, authorities said. Reputed hotelier Javed Akhtar, 57, owner of Gulshan Plaza at Sitabuldi, and his wife Nadira Akhtar lost their lives in the accident, leaving their three children with life-threatening injuries. The Nagpur family was on a Europe tour spanning France and Italy since September 22.On Thursday, their nine-seater tourist minibus, carrying a group of Asian travellers, was en route to a final Tuscan sightseeing stop when the tragic collision occurred at around 9 am on the Aurelia state road. The minibus driveralso died on the spot.Firefighter teams and officials on duty rescued the injured, who were immediately shifted to nearby hospitals. The Indian Embassy in Italy confirmed it was in contact with the victims’ family and local authorities. “We are providing all assistance to the family,” the Embassy said. It added, “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,” in a post on X.