Hyderabad woman dies in US apartment fire; body to be flown home

A 24-year-old cyber security professional from Hyderabad, Sahaja Reddy Udumala, died after a fire broke out at her residence in Albany, US. Firefighters rescued her but she succumbed to severe burns. Authorities are investigating the cause, while efforts are underway to repatriate her body.

HYDERABAD: A cyber security professional from Hyderabad died of severe burn injuries while another man suffered severe burns after a fire broke out a two storied residential building on Western Avenue in Albany, United States, on Thursday.

The victim is identified as Sahaja Reddy Udumala, (24) of Jodimetla locality near Uppal.

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The victim a native Gudur in Jangaon district, completed her master’s in cyber security from the University at Albany a year ago and was working in Albany.

Her father Udumala Jayakar Reddy is a software professional, and her mother Maria Shailaja is a teacher in Hyderabad.

Family members said that they received information that a fire broke out around 11.40 am (US time) while Sahaja, had returned from a night shift, and was asleep.

The fire started near Sahaja’s room and spread rapidly in the building. The victim suffered serious burns was rescued by firefighters and taken to a hospital.

According to reports, the Albany fire department received a call around 11.50 am, reporting a blaze at 241 Western Avenue, which soon spread to the adjoining building at 239 Western Avenue.

Fire chief Joseph Gregory described the scene as a “wall of fire up the front of the building,” adding that firefighters battled tough weather and strong winds.

“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.

A dog was also rescued from the site. The cause of the fire is under investigation.

The New York state fire investigations unit has joined the probe into the cause of the blaze. The American Red Cross is assisting 13 displaced residents, including several University at Albany students.

Family members said efforts are being coordinated by the Telugu Association of North America and Sahaja’s relatives in the US to send her body to Hyderabad.