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Indian student dies in Albany house fire
Sahaja Reddy Udumala, who was pursuing her master’s degree in the city, succumbed to her injuries despite extensive medical intervention.
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Malvika Choudhary - Sat, 06, Dec 2025
- 13:17 EST
- 13
Sahaja Reddy Udumala / GoFundMe
A 24-year-old Indian student died after sustaining critical burn injuries in a house fire in Albany, New York.
Sahaja Reddy Udumala, who was pursuing her master’s degree in the city, succumbed to her injuries despite extensive medical intervention, according to her family.
Also Read: Two Telangana students killed in UK car crash
The Consulate General of India in New York confirmed the death, saying it was “deeply saddened by the untimely demise” of the student. “Our thoughts and heartfelt condolences to her family during this difficult time,” the Consulate wrote in a post on X, adding that it was in touch with the family and extending “all possible assistance.”
We are deeply saddened by the untimely demise of Ms. Sahaja Reddy Udumala, an Indian national, who lost her life in a house fire incident in Albany.
— India in New York (@IndiainNewYork) December 6, 2025
Our thoughts and heartfelt condolences to her family during this difficult time. The Consulate is in touch with late Ms. Sahaja’s…
According to the Albany Police Department, the fire broke out on the morning of December 4. Responding officers and firefighters found the residence “fully engulfed in flames” and were told several people remained trapped inside.
Four adults were rescued and taken to a hospital with serious injuries, two of whom were later transferred to a specialized burn center.
A fundraiser started by Udumala’s cousin, Rathna Gopu, said the student had suffered burns on nearly 90 percent of her body. “...our family experienced an unimaginable tragedy when our beloved cousin, Sahaja Udumala, passed away following a devastating fire accident,” Gopu wrote.
Describing her as “a bright and hardworking student… with a future full of dreams, hope, and promise,” the cousin said Udumala “struggled immensely, fighting with all the strength she had.” Despite medical efforts, she suffered complete organ failure.
The family said the sudden loss has left them facing “unexpected emotional and financial hardships.” The fundraiser aims to support funeral and memorial arrangements, repatriation, and assistance for the immediate family.
As of Dec. 5, it had raised over $119,335 of its $120,000 goal.
Authorities in Albany are investigating the cause of the fire.
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