IIT Delhi PhD student dies in accident while on fieldwork in Gujarat

NEW DELHI : An Indian Institute of Technology Delhi (IIT Delhi) student died in an accident in Gandhinagar, Gujarat, during a field trip to collect paleoclimate data. The news of Surbhi Verma's demise was shared by IIT Delhi's dean of student affairs in an email.

Surbhi, a PhD student from the Centre for Atmospheric Sciences (CAS) and a resident of Nalanda, along with professor Yarna Dixit had gone to Gandhinagar to collect paleoclimate data. They met with an accident and Surbhi was fatally injured. Professor Dixit survived and is now undergoing treatment.

“While conducting an excavation, they met with an accident due to which sadly, our student Surabhi was fatally injured and passed away, while professor Dixit who was also injured during the mishap, is undergoing medical treatment in the hospital,” the official note read.

“Deeply saddened to share the tragic loss of a 1st yr PhD student from the Centre for Atmospheric Sciences, IIT Delhi. ...A profound loss for our IIT Delhi community,” VoiceofIITD shared on X (formerly Twitter).

ASI sends team to Lothal

As per the official note, the head CAS travelled to Ahmedabad to meet professor Dixit and Surabhi's family.

“Our deepest condolences to her family, friends, and loved ones. While we try to deal with the terrible pain and sorrow, the loss to her family and friends is unimaginable,” says IIT Delhi dean of student affairs.

As per The Indian Express report, “The incident took place around 11 am on Wednesday when the joint team of four researchers from IIT Delhi and IIT Gandhinagar had gone to Lothal – the ancient port city – to study paleoclimatology. The Archaeological Survey of India (ASI), Vadodara Circle, has sent a team to Lothal to investigate the incident and submit its report.”

Dean asks students to reach out for support

The IIT Delhi, dean of student affairs said, “We will update the IITD community as and when we will receive other information, you are also requested to reach out to the multiple counselling avenues in our system if you need help in coping with this tragedy. Of course, all faculty and administration are also there for any support.” A condolence meeting will also be fixed by the registrar in the meantime for the IITD community.