Indian-origin student, Sahaja Reddy Udumala, has died in the US (Photo: X/@Cinee_Worldd)
A 24-year-old Indian-origin student from Telangana died in a house fire in Albany, New York, on Thursday. The victim, Sahaja Reddy Udumala, had moved to the United States in 2021 for higher education and was living in the city at the time of the incident.
According to initial information, the fire began in a neighbouring building and quickly spread to Sahaja’s home. She was reportedly asleep when the fire broke out and could not escape.
Who was Sahaja Reddy Udumala?
Udumala was a bright and hardworking student pursuing a Master’s degree in Albany, NY. She was described by her family as kind, determined, and warm-hearted. Her cousin Rathna Gopu said she had a future full of dreams, hope, and promise.
In a post on X, the Consulate General of India in New York said: “We are deeply saddened by the untimely demise of Ms. Sahaja Reddy Udumala, an Indian national, who lost her life in a house fire incident in Albany. Our thoughts and heartfelt condolences to her family during this difficult time.”
We are deeply saddened by the untimely demise of Ms. Sahaja Reddy Udumala, an Indian national, who lost her life in a house fire incident in Albany. Our thoughts and heartfelt condolences to her family during this difficult time. The Consulate is in touch with late Ms. Sahaja’s…
The Albany Police Department said its personnel and the Albany Fire Department responded to the house fire on the morning of December 4. On arrival, officers and firefighters found the residence fully engulfed in flames and learned that several individuals were still inside.
Emergency personnel located four adult victims inside the home. They were treated on the scene before being transported to hospital. Two victims were later transferred to a medical burn centre for further treatment.
Story continues below this ad
“Tragically, the adult female victim succumbed to her injuries she sustained in the fire,” the police said. The victim’s name was initially withheld pending notification of kin but has since been confirmed by her family as Udumala.
However, a fundraiser has been launched by Udumala’s cousin Rathna Gopu to help cover funeral and memorial expenses, repatriation and transportation arrangements, immediate family support and additional expenses resulting from the tragic accident.
“…our family experienced an unimaginable tragedy when our beloved cousin, Sahaja Udumala, passed away following a devastating fire accident.
“Sahaja was just 24 years old, a bright and hardworking student pursuing her Master’s degree in Albany, NY, with a future full of dreams, hope, and promise,” Gopu said on the fundraiser.
Story continues below this ad
Gopu added that Udumala sustained severe burn injuries affecting nearly 90 per cent of her body.
“She struggled immensely, fighting with all the strength she had. Despite all medical efforts, her condition continued to worsen, and she ultimately experienced complete organ failure, leading to her passing this morning,” Gopu said, adding that Udumala was known for her kindness, determination, and the warmth she shared with everyone around her.
“Losing her so suddenly has left our family devastated and facing unexpected emotional and financial hardships.” So far, over USD 109,000 have been raised through donations out of the total amount of USD 120,000.
Share
Indian-origin student, Sahaja Reddy Udumala, has died in the US (Photo: X/@Cinee_Worldd) 
