Telangana Student Declared Brain-Dead After Devastating London Fire, Parents Consent to Organ Donation
In a tragic incident that has left a family in Nizamabad, Telangana, grieving, 26-year-old Kamineni Sai Srikar was declared brain-dead on February 26, following a severe fire accident in Croydon, South London, on February 23. Srikar, who was pursuing his Master of Science degree in the United Kingdom, succumbed to critical injuries sustained in the blaze.
Details of the Fatal Incident and Aftermath
Srikar's friends initially informed his parents about his grave condition and subsequent death, with hospital authorities later confirming the news officially. He was the only son of Anjaneya Prasad, a contract employee in the electricity department, and Renuka, a government school teacher. Srikar is survived by his two elder sisters.
Despite their profound grief, Srikar's parents made an extraordinary gesture by consenting to donate his organs. They have also appealed to authorities to expedite the repatriation of his mortal remains to India. "Today (February 27), we got communication from the hospital that his organs were harvested for donation. Our only request to the authorities in London and the Telangana and Indian government is to send his mortal remains home at the earliest," the inconsolable parents told The Times of India over the phone.
Background and Other Victims
Srikar had completed his engineering in Hyderabad before moving to London in 2024 to pursue his MS degree. He was sharing accommodation with two other students at the time of the fire. Tragically, one of his friends, G Abhishek from Kakinada, Andhra Pradesh, was pronounced dead at the scene. Another occupant managed to escape the building but suffered smoke inhalation and required hospitalization.
Fire Details and Investigation
The fatal blaze engulfed a two-storey house on Duppas Hill Terrace, adjacent to the Croydon flyover. According to the London Fire Brigade, flames tore through both the ground and first floors of the structure. Approximately 40 firefighters and six fire engines from Croydon, Wallington, Woodside, and nearby stations were deployed to combat the intense fire.
The London Fire Brigade and the Metropolitan Police have launched a joint investigation to determine the exact cause of the fire, which remains under scrutiny as authorities work to piece together the events leading to this devastating incident.
Government Response and Family Appeal
Upon learning of the incident, Union Minister of State for Home, Bandi Sanjay, spoke to Srikar's family members and assured them of all necessary assistance. This support comes as the family navigates the complex process of repatriation while coping with their loss.
The community in Telangana and beyond has been shaken by this tragedy, highlighting the risks faced by Indian students abroad and the resilience of families in times of crisis. Srikar's story underscores the importance of safety measures in shared accommodations and the compassionate act of organ donation, even in the face of personal tragedy.
