Sahaja Reddy Udumala, moved to the United States in 2021 to pursue higher studies and was enrolled in a master’s programme at the University at Albany.
Published Dec 07, 2025 | 7:19 PM ⚊ Updated Dec 07, 2025 | 7:19 PM
Sahaja Reddy Udumala
Synopsis: A 24-year-old student from Telangana, Sahaja Reddy Udumala, died in a house fire in Albany, New York, on 4 December after flames from a neighbouring building spread rapidly and trapped her inside. Officials are coordinating with local authorities in the US and Sahaja’s family in Telangana to facilitate the repatriation process.
A 24-year-old student from Telangana’s Jangaon district died in a massive house fire in Albany, New York, on Thursday, 4 December.
The victim, Sahaja Reddy Udumala, moved to the United States in 2021 to pursue higher studies and was enrolled in a master’s programme at the University at Albany.
According to preliminary reports, the fire began in a neighbouring building and spread rapidly, engulfing her residence within minutes. Sahaja, who was reportedly asleep at the time, was unable to escape.
Local reports indicate that she sustained severe burn injuries covering nearly 90 percent of her body. Despite efforts by emergency responders and medical teams, she succumbed to her injuries following complete organ failure.
The Consulate General of India in New York expressed condolences.
“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. Our thoughts and heartfelt condolences to her family during this difficult time. The Consulate is in touch with late Ms. Sahaja’s family and is extending all possible assistance,” the mission said in a statement.
Officials are coordinating with local authorities in the US and Sahaja’s family in Telangana to facilitate the repatriation process.
Back home in Jangaon, Sahaja’s parents, Udumula Jayakar Reddy, a TCS employee in Hyderabad, and Gopumaria Shailaja, a government primary school teacher, had been eagerly awaiting her return after completing her degree.
The family has set up a fundraiser to help cope with expenses, including repatriation of the body to India.
“Losing her so suddenly has left our family devastated and facing unexpected emotional and financial hardships,” Sahaja’s cousin Rathna Gopu wrote in the appeal.
