Indian Student Dies in Albany Fire

Sahaja Reddy Udumala, a 24-year-old Indian student pursuing her Master's degree in Albany, New York, tragically died on December 4 after sustaining severe burn injuries in a house fire. The United States — Albany Police Department and Albany Fire Department responded to the incident, finding the residence fully engulfed in flames. Four adults were rescued and hospitalized, with Sahaja Reddy Udumala later succumbing to her injuries, which included burns on nearly 90 percent of her body and complete organ failure. The India — Consulate General of India, San Francisco expressed deep sadness and is providing assistance to her family. Sahaja Reddy Udumala's cousin, Rathna Gopu, launched a fundraiser to help cover funeral, repatriation, and family support expenses, which has raised over USD 109,000 towards a USD 120,000 goal.