Hyderabad, Dec 9: A 24-year-old woman from Telangana’s Jangaon district, Sahaja Reddy Udumala, tragically lost her life in a major fire accident at her residence in Albany, New York.

Sahaja, who had moved to the United States in 2021 for higher studies, was reportedly asleep when the fire broke out.

Preliminary investigations suggest the blaze originated in a neighbouring building and spread rapidly to her house, leaving her unable to escape.

In a post on X, the Consulate General of India in New York expressed grief over the incident.

“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 statement read.

The consulate added that it was in touch with the victim’s family and extending all possible assistance.

Sahaja’s sudden death has plunged her family and hometown into mourning. She was the elder daughter of Udumula Jayakar Reddy, an employee with TCS in Hyderabad, and Gopumaria Shailaja, a government primary school teacher. Her parents, who were eagerly awaiting her return after completing her studies, are now inconsolable and have sought government help to repatriate her body from the US.

To support the grieving family, Sahaja’s cousin Rathna Gopu has launched a GoFundMe campaign.


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The post revealed that Sahaja sustained severe burn injuries, affecting nearly 90 per cent of her body. Funds raised will be used for funeral and memorial expenses, repatriation arrangements, immediate family support, and other costs arising from the tragedy.

The incident has sent shockwaves through the Indian community in Albany and Sahaja’s hometown in Telangana. Friends, relatives, and well-wishers have come together to offer prayers and extend support to the bereaved family.