Daijiworld Media Network – New York

New York, Dec 6: A 24-year-old Indian student, Sahaja Reddy Udumala, tragically lost her life in a house fire in Albany, New York, while pursuing her Master’s degree, the Indian Consulate in New York confirmed on Friday.

The Consulate General expressed deep sorrow over Udumala’s untimely demise and extended heartfelt condolences to her family, assuring full support and assistance.

According to the Albany Police Department, officers and firefighters responded to the fire on the morning of December 4. Upon arrival, they found the residence fully engulfed and located four adult victims inside. Emergency personnel provided on-site treatment before transporting the injured to hospitals, with two victims later transferred to a medical burn centre. Despite medical efforts, Udumala succumbed to severe burn injuries affecting nearly 90 per cent of her body.

A fundraiser has been initiated by Udumala’s cousin, Rathna Gopu, to assist with funeral, repatriation, and family support costs. Gopu described Udumala as a bright, hardworking, and kind student whose sudden passing has left the family devastated.

So far, the fundraiser has raised over USD 109,000 of the USD 120,000 target, reflecting the outpouring of support from friends and well-wishers.