New York: In a tragic incident, an Indian student studying in the US lost his life in a house fire in New York. The 24-year-old student, identified as Sahaja Reddy Udumala, was pursuing a Master’s degree in Albany, the Consulate General of India in New York said.

Confirming the incident in a post on X, the consulate said it was ""deeply saddened by the untimely demise" . It added, "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 Consulate is in touch with the late Ms. Sahaja’s family and is extending all possible assistance."

The fire occurred on Dec 4

The fire occurred on December 4. According to the police, the authorities responded to the the incident. When they arrived at the house, it was full of flames, and several individuals were trapped inside the house.

According to a report published by the news agency PTI, after reaching the spot, authorities found four adult victims inside the house. All four were given emergency medical treatment at the spot before they were taken to a hospital for treatment.

Cousin launches fundraiser

"Tragically, the adult female victim succumbed to her injuries she sustained in the fire," an official was quoted by PTI as saying. Notably, Udumala’s cousin Rathna Gopu has launched a fundraiser to help cover the funeral and memorial expenses of the victim, as well as her repatriation, transportation, and other arrangements.

"Sahaja was just 24 years old, a bright and hardworking student pursuing her Master’s degree in Albany, NY, with a future full of dreams, hope, and promise,” Ms. Gopu was quoted to have said on the fundraiser.