A 24-year-old Indian student, Sahaja Reddy Udumala, has died after suffering severe injuries in a house fire in Albany, New York, officials and her family said. The Consulate General of India in New York said it was “deeply saddened by the untimely demise” and is in contact with her family, offering all possible assistance and condolences.
Albany police and firefighters responded to the blaze on the morning of December 4. Emergency crews found the residence fully engulfed and reported several people inside. First responders located four adults at the scene; all were treated there and then transported to area hospitals for serious injuries. Two of the victims were later transferred to a specialized medical burn center.
Police said one adult female victim later died from injuries sustained in the fire. The department initially withheld the victim’s name pending family notifications; the family has identified the deceased as Udumala, who had been pursuing a master’s degree in Albany.
Udumala’s cousin, Rathna Gopu, organized an online fundraiser to help cover funeral and memorial costs, repatriation and transportation arrangements, immediate family support and related expenses. Gopu said Udumala suffered severe burns affecting nearly 90% of her body and that she “struggled immensely” before experiencing complete organ failure. Gopu described her as a kind, determined young woman and said the family is devastated and facing emotional and financial hardship.
The fundraiser has raised more than USD 109,000 toward a USD 120,000 goal. The Consulate General said it continues to assist the family as they make arrangements and cope with the loss. Authorities have not released additional details about the cause of the fire as investigations continue.
