New York: A 24-year-old Indian student, Sahaja Reddy Udumala, has died after suffering critical burn injuries in a devastating house fire in Albany, New York. She was pursuing her Master’s degree in the city when the incident occurred.
The Consulate General of India in New York said it was “deeply saddened” by her untimely death and extended condolences to her family. The mission added that it is in touch with her relatives and is providing all possible assistance.
According to the Albany Police Department, officers and firefighters reached the scene on the morning of December 4 to find the residence fully engulfed in flames. Several people were trapped inside. Emergency teams pulled out four adults, all of whom were taken to the hospital with severe injuries. Two victims were later shifted to a specialised burn centre. Udumala, who had sustained burns across nearly 90 per cent of her body, succumbed to her injuries.
Her family confirmed her identity after authorities withheld the victim’s name pending formal notification of next of kin.
A fundraiser has been created by her cousin, Rathna Gopu, to cover funeral and memorial costs, repatriation arrangements, and immediate family support. Gopu described Udumala as a bright, hardworking student with a future full of hope and determination, adding that her sudden death has left the family devastated both emotionally and financially. The fundraiser has collected more than USD 109,000 out of its USD 120,000 goal.
