A 24-year-old Indian student died in the United States after suffering critical injuries in a house fire in Albany, New York. The victim, identified as Sahaja Reddy Udumala, was pursuing her Master’s degree and was among four people rescued from the burning residence. While the others are undergoing treatment, Sahaja’s injuries were far more severe, with nearly 90% of her body burned.
According to the Albany Police Department, officers and firefighters rushed to the scene after receiving distress calls and found the building fully engulfed in flames with several occupants trapped inside. Emergency medical teams treated the victims before transporting them to the hospital, and two survivors were later shifted to a specialised burn centre. Despite doctors’ efforts, Sahaja’s condition deteriorated and she ultimately died due to complete organ failure.
Her cousin, Rathna Gopu, described Sahaja as someone known for her kindness and determination, saying the sudden loss has left the family shattered. Gopu has set up a fundraiser to help cover funeral and memorial expenses, repatriation of her remains to India, transportation arrangements and immediate support for the family during the crisis. Donations have crossed USD 109,000 out of the USD 120,000 goal.
The Consulate General of India in New York expressed deep condolences, calling the death “deeply saddening” and confirmed that they are in touch with the grieving family while providing necessary assistance.
