Ahmedabad: A tragic accident at the Lothal archaeological site in Gujarat claimed the life of a 24-year-old IIT Delhi student, Surabhi Verma, and left three others injured. The incident occurred on Wednesday while the research team was collecting soil samples at the ancient site, a significant centre of the Indus Valley Civilisation.

Details of the incident

Surabhi Verma and her professor, Dr. Yama Dixit (45), descended into a 10-foot-deep pit to collect soil samples. While they were inside, the soil collapsed on them. Despite immediate rescue efforts, Surabhi succumbed to her injuries at the site. Dr. Dixit was critically injured but is now reported to be stable after receiving medical attention.

The team, comprising researchers from IIT Delhi and IIT Gandhinagar, was conducting fieldwork at Lothal, located 80 km from Ahmedabad, as part of a study on the ancient Harappan port town.

Emergency response

Ahmedabad Rural Superintendent of Police Omprakash Jat confirmed that emergency services, including ambulances, fire brigades, and police, promptly arrived at the site to assist with rescue operations.

Significance of Lothal

Lothal is an archaeological treasure, offering insights into the maritime and urban planning achievements of the Indus Valley Civilisation. This tragic event highlights the risks faced by researchers during fieldwork at historical sites.

Community response

The accident has sparked discussions about safety measures for researchers working at excavation sites. Institutions and authorities are expected to review protocols to prevent similar incidents in the future.