IIT Delhi PhD scholar dies after pit collapse near Harappan excavation site in Gujarat's Lothal

NEW DELHI: A tragic incident occurred on Wednesday morning near the archaeological site of Lothal in Gujarat when a soil collapse claimed the life of an IIT Delhi student and injured three others during their research work.

The deceased, Surabhi Verma (23), the PhD scholar from IIT Delhi, was at the ancient Indus Valley civilisation location, approximately 80 kilometres from Ahmedabad, conducting research when the incident happened.

Four researchers, two each from IIT Delhi and IIT Gandhinagar, were collecting soil samples for study near the archaeological remains of the Harappan port town of Lothal, according to Superintendent of Police (Rural) Om Prakash Jat, as reported by PTI.

"A researcher from IIT Delhi, identified as Surabhi Verma, died on the spot. Three others were rescued and rushed to the hospital where their condition was stable," stated the police officer.

The incident occurred when all four researchers entered a 10-foot-deep excavated pit, and its wall suddenly gave way, covering them under soil, also said the police officer.