Albany, NY - A 24-year-old Indian student, Sahaja Reddy Udumala, tragically died in a house fire in Albany, New York on December 4, 2025. Udumala was pursuing a Master's degree in Albany and was a cyber security professional from Telangana.
The Albany Police Department reported that officers and firefighters responded to the fully engulfed residence on the morning of December 4th. Four adults were rescued from the scene and taken to a local hospital with serious injuries. Two of the rescued individuals were later transferred to a specialized burn center. Tragically, Udumala succumbed to her injuries.
While authorities initially withheld the victim's name, family members identified her as Sahaja Reddy Udumala. Udumala's cousin, Rathna Gopu, launched a fundraising campaign to help cover funeral and memorial expenses, repatriation and transportation arrangements, and immediate family support. Gopu shared that Udumala suffered severe burn injuries affecting nearly 90% of her body and fought with all her strength before experiencing complete organ failure.
The Consulate General of India in New York expressed deep sorrow over Udumala's untimely passing. In a post on X, the consulate extended condolences to her family and affirmed that it is providing all possible assistance.
Udumala's uncle, Udumala Bala, the Archbishop of Visakhapatnam in Andhra Pradesh, told PTI that Udumala had completed her Master's in Cyber Security and had recently started working in the U.S. He added that she had returned home from work and was asleep in her room when the fire broke out around 11 a.m. (U.S. time). While she suffered severe burns, two other occupants escaped with minor injuries.
The fundraiser started by Gopu has collected over $112,266 of the $120,000 goal as of December 6, 2025. Donations continue to pour in to support the family during this difficult time.
The incident has prompted an outpouring of grief from the Indian community and officials. The Indian Consulate is assisting her family, who are facing emotional and financial hardship.
