Indian Student Dies In New York House Fire
A 24-year-old Indian student, Sahaja Reddy Udumala, died after suffering severe burn injuries in a house fire in Albany, New York. The incident took place on December 4 at a multi-resident house on Western Avenue. Emergency responders pulled out four adults from the building, but Udumala sustained critical injuries and later passed away.
Rescue And Investigation Underway
Firefighters arrived to find the building engulfed in flames. All four rescued occupants were taken to hospital, and two were later transferred to a specialised burn centre. Authorities are investigating the cause of the fire. The Albany Fire Department and New York State investigators are working together to determine what led to the incident.
Consulate Extends Support
The Indian Consulate in New York confirmed the student’s death and offered assistance to her family. Support is being provided for repatriation and other formalities. Meanwhile, her relatives have started a fundraiser to meet urgent expenses, including travel and funeral arrangements. Donations have begun coming in from friends, community members and well-wishers.
Student Community Shocked
Udumala was pursuing higher education in Albany and was known to be cheerful and hardworking. The sudden loss has shocked the student community and raised concerns over fire safety in rented and shared accommodation. Discussions have started among local groups about the need for stricter safety checks in residential buildings housing international students.
