A 24-year-old woman from Telangana’s Jangaon district, Sahaja Reddy Udumala, died in a house fire in Albany, New York, on Thursday.
Sahaja had moved to the US in 2021 for higher studies and was pursuing her Master’s degree at the University at Albany. Officials said she was asleep when the fire broke out and was unable to escape.
Early reports suggest the blaze began in a neighbouring building and spread rapidly to Sahaja’s residence. Fire officials noted that the flames intensified within moments, leaving those inside with little time to respond. Sahaja suffered severe burn injuries and did not survive.
The Consulate General of India in New York confirmed the incident and expressed condolences to the family. In a post on X, it said it was “deeply saddened by the untimely demise of Ms. Sahaja Reddy Udumala” and is extending full assistance, including support with repatriating her body to India.
Sahaja was the elder daughter of Udumula Jayakar Reddy, who works at TCS in Hyderabad, and Gopumaria Shailaja, a government school teacher. Her family, devastated by the news, had hoped to welcome her back after she completed her studies. They are now seeking help to bring her remains home for the final rites.
Residents of Jangaon have been gathering at the family’s home to offer support during the tragedy.
To help cover urgent expenses, Sahaja’s cousin Rathna Gopu has set up a GoFundMe page. The fundraiser states that Sahaja suffered burns on nearly 90% of her body, and that contributions will assist with funeral costs, repatriation, and other immediate needs.
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