Tragic Loss: Indian Student Dies in Albany House Fire

Devastating Incident Claims Young Life

New York: A tragic house fire in Albany has resulted in the death of a 24-year-old Indian student, as confirmed by the Indian consulate in New York.

Sahaja Reddy Udumala was studying for her Master’s degree in Albany when the incident occurred.

The Consulate General of India expressed its sorrow over Udumala's untimely passing in a post on social media, extending condolences to her family during this challenging time.

They also mentioned that they are in contact with Udumala's family to provide necessary support.

According to the Albany Police Department, emergency services responded to the fire on the morning of December 4, discovering the house engulfed in flames with several individuals trapped inside.

Rescue teams managed to locate four adults within the home, who received immediate medical attention before being transported to a hospital for serious injuries.

Two of these victims were later moved to a specialized burn center for advanced care.

Sadly, the police reported that one female victim succumbed to her injuries, later identified as Udumala by her family.

In response to this tragedy, Udumala's cousin, Rathna Gopu, has initiated a fundraiser to assist with funeral costs, repatriation, and support for the family.

Gopu shared the family's grief, stating, "Our beloved cousin, Sahaja Udumala, passed away following a devastating fire accident. She was a bright and dedicated student with a promising future ahead of her."

Gopu revealed that Udumala suffered severe burns covering nearly 90% of her body and fought valiantly against her injuries, but ultimately succumbed to organ failure despite medical efforts.

The family is now grappling with unexpected emotional and financial burdens due to this sudden loss.

To date, over USD 109,000 has been raised towards the goal of USD 120,000 through community donations.