A 24-year-old woman from Telangana’s Jangaon district lost her life in a tragic house fire in Albany, New York, on Thursday.
The victim, Sahaja Reddy Udumala, had moved to the United States in 2021 to pursue higher education and was studying for her Master’s degree at the University at Albany. She was reportedly asleep when the fire broke out and could not escape in time.
According to initial reports, the blaze began in a neighbouring building before rapidly spreading to Sahaja’s residence. Local officials said the fire intensified within minutes, leaving little time for anyone inside to react. As Sahaja was asleep, she was caught in the flames and suffered critical injuries.
The Consulate General of India in New York confirmed her death and expressed deep condolences to the family. In a post on X, the mission said it was “deeply saddened by the untimely demise of Ms. Sahaja Reddy Udumala” and added that it is assisting the family with all necessary formalities, including the repatriation of her body to India.
Sahaja was the elder daughter of Udumula Jayakar Reddy, a TCS employee in Hyderabad, and Gopumaria Shailaja, a government primary school teacher. Relatives said the family had been eagerly awaiting her return after graduation and are now seeking government help to bring her remains home for the final rites.
In Jangaon, neighbours and well-wishers have been visiting the family to offer support as they navigate the devastating loss.
To help with expenses, Sahaja’s cousin Rathna Gopu has launched a GoFundMe fundraiser. The campaign notes that Sahaja suffered severe burn injuries covering nearly 90% of her body and states that contributions will go toward funeral and memorial costs, repatriation arrangements, and other immediate needs following the tragedy.
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