Sahaja Reddy Udumala, a 24-year-old cyber security professional from Telangana, died in a fire in the United States, her family said on Saturday, as reported by PTI.
Sahaja recently completed her master’s degree in cyber security in the US and started working there only a few months ago, her uncle Udumala Bala, Archbishop of Visakhapatnam in Andhra Pradesh, told PTI.
“She had come home from work and was sleeping in her room in Albany, New York, when the fire broke out around 11:00 a.m. on December 4 (US time),” he said. While she suffered severe burns in the incident, two other residents of the building escaped with minor injuries,” he said.
After receiving first aid in Albany, she was taken to a hospital in New York.
After about 15 hours of treatment, she succumbed. Several Telugu students also lived in the same building. Sahaja Reddy moved to the US three years ago.
Her family hails from Jangaon district of Telangana.
Her father is an IT professional and her mother is a teacher. Bala requested the state government to provide assistance in repatriating the remains to India. The Telugu community in the US is actively supporting the family during this difficult time, he added.
The Consulate General of India in New York said in a post on X on Friday (local time) that it was “deeply saddened by the untimely passing” of Udumala, who lost her life in a house fire in Albany.
“Our thoughts and sincere condolences go out to her family at this difficult time,” the consulate said, adding that it is in contact with Udumala’s family and providing all possible assistance.
According to a statement from the Albany Police Department, officers and the Albany Fire Department responded to a house fire on the morning of Dec. 4.
When they arrived, the house was fully engulfed in flames and emergency responders were informed that several people were still inside.
Four adults were found in the apartment. They were immediately treated by paramedics at the scene before being taken to hospital where they are currently being treated for serious injuries.
Two of the victims were later taken to a medical burn center for further treatment.
“The adult victim tragically succumbed to injuries sustained in the fire,” the police department said.
Gopu added that Udumala suffered severe burns that affected almost 90 percent of her body.
“She fought tremendously, fought with all the strength she had. Despite all medical efforts, her condition continued to deteriorate and eventually she suffered total organ failure, which led to her death this morning,” Gopu said, adding that Udumala was known for her kindness, determination and warmth that she shared with everyone around her.
“Losing her so suddenly has left our family devastated and facing unexpected emotional and financial hardship.”
So far, over USD 109,000 of the total amount of USD 120,000 has been collected, PTI reported.
