A devastating house fire in the United States has claimed the life of a young Indian cybersecurity professional, 24-year-old Sahaja Reddy Udumala from Telangana. The tragic incident, confirmed by her family on Saturday, has sent shockwaves through her community both in India and abroad.
A Promising Career Cut Short
Sahaja Reddy Udumala had moved to the US three years ago to pursue her master's degree in cybersecurity. After successfully completing her studies, she had begun working in her field just a few months prior to the accident. Her family hails from Jangaon district in Telangana; her father works in the IT sector and her mother is a teacher.
The Albany Police and Fire Departments responded to the emergency on the morning of December 4. According to her uncle, Udumala Bala, the Archbishop of Visakhapatnam, Sahaja had returned home from work and was asleep in her room in Albany, New York when the fire broke out around 11 AM local time.
Details of the Tragic Incident
While two other occupants of the building managed to escape with minor injuries, Sahaja sustained severe burns. She received initial first aid in Albany before being transferred to a hospital in New York City. Despite approximately 15 hours of intensive medical treatment, she succumbed to her injuries.
Her cousin, Rathna Gopu, who started a fundraiser, revealed the severity of her condition. "She suffered severe burn injuries affecting nearly 90 percent of her body," Gopu stated. "She struggled immensely, fighting with all the strength she had. Despite all medical efforts, her condition continued to worsen, and she ultimately experienced complete organ failure."
It was also reported that many other Telugu students were residing in the same building at the time of the fire.
Community Support and Repatriation Efforts
The Indian Consulate General in New York expressed its condolences on social media platform X. "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 post read.
Her uncle, Bala, has appealed to the Telangana state government for assistance in repatriating her mortal remains to India. He acknowledged that the Telugu community in the US is actively supporting the grieving family.
A fundraiser organized by her cousin aims to cover the significant costs arising from this tragedy, including:
- Funeral and memorial costs
- Repatriation and transportation of her remains to India
- Support for the immediate family
- Other unforeseen expenses
The campaign has seen an overwhelming response, with over $109,000 raised towards its $120,000 goal at the time of reporting.
Gopu remembered Sahaja as someone cherished for her kindness, resilience, and the warmth she brought to everyone around her. The sudden loss has left the family devastated, facing profound emotional and financial hardship. The global Indian community mourns the loss of a bright young professional whose life ended far too soon.
