Indian Student From Telangana Dies in Tragic New York House Fire

A devastating fire in Albany, New York, claimed the life of 24-year-old Indian student Sahaja Reddy Udumala, who had moved to the United States in 2021 for higher studies. According to initial reports, the blaze originated in a neighbouring building before rapidly spreading to Sahaja’s residence. She was reportedly asleep at the time and was unable to escape the smoke and flames, leading to her tragic death on Thursday.

The Consulate General of India in New York expressed deep sorrow over the incident, posting condolences on X. The consulate confirmed that Sahaja was an Indian national living in Albany and assured her family of all possible assistance. Officials have reportedly been in continuous contact with her relatives in India as they navigate the complex process of repatriating her remains.

Back home in Telangana’s Jangaon district, Sahaja’s family has been shattered by the news. Her father, Udumula Jayakar Reddy, works for TCS in Hyderabad, while her mother, Gopumaria Shailaja, is a government school teacher. The couple had been eagerly waiting for their daughter to return after completing her education in the US. Instead, they are now pleading with authorities for help to bring her body back to India for final rites.

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A GoFundMe fundraiser has been created by Sahaja’s cousin, Rathna Gopu, to provide financial support to the grieving family. The fundraiser notes that Sahaja suffered severe burn injuries, with nearly 90 percent of her body affected. The campaign aims to cover repatriation expenses, funeral arrangements, immediate family support, and other unforeseen costs arising from the tragedy. Contributions have begun pouring in from friends, acquaintances, and members of the Indian diaspora.

The fire has sparked concerns about residential safety in the area, though investigations are still underway to determine what caused the neighbouring building to ignite so quickly. Local authorities are reviewing the extent of damage and evaluating whether any negligence contributed to the rapid spread of the flames. For Sahaja’s family, however, the priority remains bringing their daughter home and ensuring she receives the farewell she deserves.

As condolences continue to pour in from across India and the US, Sahaja's death stands as a painful reminder of the vulnerabilities faced by international students living far from home. Her story has touched thousands, prompting an outpouring of support and solidarity for a family enduring an unimaginable loss.

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