Abu Dhabi: The family of a prominent Pakistani community member was involved in a tragic road accident in Saudi Arabia, killing two youngsters, while returning from pilgrimage.

Long-time Abu Dhabi resident and well-known community member Nazir Ahmad Panhwar's family met with a major accident on Thursday early morning. The incident took place in Al Qasimiya area, about 300 kilometers away from Madinah city.

"I'm absolutely shocked. I have lost both my son and daughter," Panhwar, a senior engineer at ADCO, told Gulf News over the phone from his hospital bed.

Panhwar, his wife, two sons and two daughters were returning on their four-wheel vehicle after performing Umrah when their car rolled over. The family stopped at Madinah on Wednesday for evening prayers and started early in the morning after Suhoor to return to their home.

"We were joking and laughing and the next thing I know the car turned over. It all happened in a second. We are not sure what exactly happened," he said.

His 24-year-old daughter Saima Nazir, who worked with Omeir Travels and 27-year-old son Shehzad Nazir, who worked as a civil engineer, were killed instantly in the accident. The rest of the family - Panhwar, his wife Aziza Banu, daughter Kausar and son Nasir - suffered injuries and are currently recuperating at the hospital.