Tragic Death of Indian Student Sahaja Reddy Udumala in Albany House Fire: Family Seeks Support for Repatriation

Albany Police Department said they located 4 victims inside residence (Representational)

A 24-year-old Indian student in the US has perished following severe injuries sustained in a house fire, according to the Indian mission in New York.

Sahaja Reddy Udumala was pursuing her Master's degree in Albany, New York.

The Consulate General of India in New York expressed on X platform Friday (local time) that they are "deeply saddened by the untimely demise" of Udumala, who lost her life in the Albany house fire incident.

"Our thoughts and heartfelt condolences to her family during this difficult time," stated the Consulate, adding that they remain in contact with Udumala's family and are providing all possible assistance.

The Albany Police Department released a statement confirming that their personnel and the Albany Fire Department responded to the house fire on the morning of December 4. Upon arrival at the scene, officers and firefighters discovered the residence completely engulfed in flames and learned that several individuals remained trapped inside the home.

Emergency responders located four adult victims within the residence, who received immediate treatment from emergency medical personnel before being transported to a hospital for treatment of serious injuries. Two victims were subsequently transferred to a specialized medical burn centre for additional treatment.

"Tragically, the adult female victim succumbed to her injuries she sustained in the fire," reported the police department.

While the department did not officially release the victim's name pending notification of relatives, family members have identified the deceased as Udumala.

Udumala's cousin Rathna Gopu has initiated a fundraiser to cover funeral and memorial expenses, repatriation and transportation arrangements, immediate family support, and additional costs resulting from this tragic accident.

"...our family experienced an unimaginable tragedy when our beloved cousin, Sahaja Udumala, passed away following a devastating fire accident.

"Sahaja was just 24 years old, a bright and hardworking student pursuing her Master's degree in Albany, NY, with a future full of dreams, hope, and promise," Gopu stated on the fundraiser page.

Gopu further revealed that Udumala had sustained severe burn injuries affecting nearly 90 percent of her body.

"She struggled immensely, fighting with all the strength she had. Despite all medical efforts, her condition continued to worsen, and she ultimately experienced complete organ failure, leading to her passing this morning," Gopu shared, adding that Udumala was known for her kindness, determination, and the warmth she brought to everyone around her.

"Losing her so suddenly has left our family devastated and facing unexpected emotional and financial hardships." The fundraiser has currently collected over USD 109,000 through donations toward its goal of USD 120,000.