PTI
New York, Updated At : 12:58 PM Dec 06, 2025 IST
A 24-year-old Indian student has died after suffering severe injuries in a house fire in Albany, New York, the Consulate General of India in New York said.
The deceased has been identified as Sahaja Reddy Udumala, who was pursuing a Master’s degree in Albany. In a post on X on Friday, the Consulate said it was “deeply saddened by the untimely demise” and that it is in touch with her family and extending all possible assistance. “Our thoughts and heartfelt condolences to her family during this difficult time,” the statement added.
The Albany Police Department said its officers and the Albany Fire Department responded to the house fire on the morning of December 4. When emergency personnel arrived, the residence was fully engulfed and several people were reported to be inside.
First responders located four adult victims in the home. Emergency medical personnel treated them at the scene before transporting them to hospital, where they were being treated for serious injuries. Two victims were later transferred to a medical burn center for specialized care.
“Tragically, the adult female victim succumbed to her injuries she sustained in the fire,” the police statement said. The department did not release the victim’s name pending notification of next of kin; the family has identified the deceased as Udumala.
Udumala’s cousin, Rathna Gopu, launched a fundraiser to help cover funeral and memorial expenses, repatriation and transportation arrangements, immediate family support and related costs. Gopu said Udumala suffered severe burns affecting nearly 90 percent of her body and that she “struggled immensely” before experiencing complete organ failure. Gopu described her as a kind, determined young woman whose sudden loss has left the family devastated and facing emotional and financial hardships.
As of the latest update, the fundraiser has raised over USD 109,000 of the USD 120,000 goal. The Consulate continues to assist the family.
