PASSAIC, N.J. (WCBS 880) — Nearly a week after Seton Hall University announced their freshman student and her friend were "believed missing" due to Ida's devastating effects on the Northeast, officials are now reportedly expanding their search and bringing in additional resources with their disappearance unsolved.
NJ.com reports witnesses saw Nidhi Rana, 18, and Ayush Rana, 21, try to exit their vehicle as floodwaters from Tropical Storm Ida inundated it around 9:30 p.m. last Wednesday on Benson Avenue and Main Avenue in Passaic.
Passaic Mayor Hector Lora told the outlet that their deserted vehicle was later found blocks from the river. Rescuers have reportedly searched in the Passiac River and nearby since Wednesday.
Passaic Fire Chief Patrick Trentacost said the department is now expanding its search operations to include Essex and Hudson County — with more search and rescue teams supporting their efforts.
Officials said they would also utilize air support from New Jersey police and from Passaic and Bergen County marine units, according to NJ.com.
Twenty-two boats, along with divers, were deployed Tuesday into the Passaic River as a state police cadaver dog and sonar equipment attempted to narrow the rescuers' search.
Trentacost said the department's sonar equipment turned up "some hits," but all of their searches have ended without the pair's finding.
NJ.com reports search operations continued at 10:30 a.m. Wednesday and would continue as weather and water conditions permit.
A GoFundMe created by the sister of the missing 18-year-old raised more than $5,000 as of Wednesday and will fund the "ongoing investigation" of their disappearance.