A heartbreaking tragedy has struck a family from Hyderabad after a massive fire in the United States claimed the life of 24-year-old Sahaja Reddy Udumala. Sahaja, originally from Jodimetla near Uppal, died of severe burn injuries after a fire engulfed a residential building on Western Avenue in Albany on Thursday. Another person from Kukatpally who lived in the same two storey house is reportedly in critical condition and fighting for survival.
Sahaja had completed her master’s degree in cyber security from the University at Albany just last year and was already working in the field. She had returned home after a night shift and was asleep when the fire broke out around 11.40 am US time. The building, which housed several Indian students and young professionals, quickly filled with flames. Firefighters rescued Sahaja and rushed her to the hospital, but her injuries were too severe. Family members were shown her condition through a live video call before doctors removed life support and explained that she could not be saved.
Her parents, father Udumala Jayakar Reddy who works in software and mother Maria Shailaja who is a teacher, are struggling to process the loss. Sahaja was also the niece of Archbishop of Visakhapatnam Udumala Bala.
The Albany Fire Department received distress calls at 11.50 am and reached the site immediately. Fire Chief Joseph Gregory described the scene as a wall of fire spreading rapidly across the building and even reaching the neighboring home. He said strong winds made firefighting extremely difficult but praised his team for rescuing people quickly and preventing further casualties. Even a dog was saved during the operation. The cause of the fire is still under investigation, and the New York State Fire Investigations Unit is now involved.
At least 13 residents, including students from the University at Albany, have been displaced. The American Red Cross is helping them with emergency support. Meanwhile, Sahaja’s relatives in the United States along with the Telugu Association of North America TANA are coordinating efforts to send her body back to Hyderabad.
The family says arrangements are underway so she can be brought home soon.
