A young cyber security professional from Hyderabad has tragically died, and another Indian national is critically injured after a devastating fire ripped through a residential building in Albany, United States. The incident occurred on Thursday, sending shockwaves through the Indian community both in the US and back home.
Tragic Details of the Albany Fire
The deceased has been identified as Sahaja Reddy Udumala, aged 24. A native of Jodimetla near Uppal in Hyderabad, Sahaja was the daughter of software professional Udumala Jayakar Reddy and teacher Maria Shailaja. The family originally hails from Gudur in Jangaon district. Sahaja had completed her master's in cyber security from the University at Albany just a year ago and was working in the city. She was also the niece of the Archbishop of Vishakapatnam, Udumala Bala.
According to family members, the fire broke out around 11.40 am US time while Sahaja, who had returned from a night shift, was asleep. "The building has several rooms where many Indian students live. The fire started near Sahaja's room and spread rapidly," a relative told TOI. Firefighters rescued her and rushed her to a hospital, but her injuries were too severe.
"The hospital staff showed her to us on a live video before removing the ventilator, saying survival was not possible. We saw her for the last time then," the heartbroken relative added. The other injured person, also from Hyderabad's Kukatpally area, remains in a critical condition, battling for life.
Firefighters Battle Flames and Weather
The Albany Fire Department received an emergency call around 11.50 am reporting a blaze at 241 Western Avenue. The flames quickly spread to the adjoining building at 239 Western Avenue. Fire Chief Joseph Gregory described confronting a "wall of fire up the front of the building." He highlighted the challenging conditions, stating firefighters battled tough weather and strong winds during the operation.
"It was a difficult operation for our firefighters. Weather conditions are tough. Wind doesn't help us at all. The members did an outstanding job getting the victims out, getting them to the hospital, and putting the fire out," Gregory told reporters. In a small silver lining, a dog was also successfully rescued from the burning structure.
Aftermath and Investigation
The cause of the deadly fire is currently under investigation, with the New York State Fire Investigations Unit joining the probe. The American Red Cross is assisting 13 displaced residents, which include several students from the University at Albany.
Back in India, the family is making arrangements to bring Sahaja's body home to Hyderabad. Efforts are being coordinated by the Telugu Association of North America (TANA) along with Sahaja's relatives in the United States. "Arrangements are being made to bring her home," a cousin confirmed, as the community mourns the loss of a bright young professional whose life was cut short in a foreign land.
