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A second Indian national has died after sustaining severe burn injuries in a house fire in Albany, United States, taking the death toll in the incident to two, authorities and the Indian mission confirmed. The deceased has been identified as Anvesh Sarapelli, who succumbed to his injuries on Saturday, a day after 24-year-old Sahaja Reddy Udumala, an Indian student, died while undergoing treatment for critical burns suffered in the same blaze on December 4.The Consulate General of India in New York expressed deep sorrow over the death of both. The mission said that it is in touch with their families and will providing all possible assistance. Udumala and Sarapelli were among four people found inside a house near Quail Street when police and firefighters responded to the fire. All victims were treated at the scene by the Albany Fire Department and emergency medical personnel before being rushed to Albany Medical Centre Hospital. Both were later shifted to the Westchester Medical Burn Centre for specialised treatment. Albany Police said that when teams reached the scene, the residence was fully engulfed in flames and several people were trapped inside. Despite rescue efforts, both Udumala and Sarapelli later “tragically” succumbed to their injuries. Sahaja Reddy Udumala, a native of Jodimetla near Uppal, Telangana, had completed her master’s degree in cyber security from the University at Albany and was working in the city. She was asleep after returning from a night shift when the fire broke out around 11.40 am (local time). Family members said the building housed several Indian students and that the fire started near her room before spreading rapidly. She suffered burns over nearly 90 per cent of her body and later died due to complete organ failure. The fire was reported to the Albany Fire Department around 11.50 am from 241 Western Avenue and soon spread to the adjoining building at 239 Western Avenue. Fire chief Joseph Gregory described the scene as a “wall of fire” and said firefighters battled strong winds and difficult weather conditions to rescue the victims. “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.13 residents, including several University at Albany students were displaced and a dog was also rescued from the blaze. A GoFundMe campaign has been launched by Udumala’s cousin, Rathna Gopu, to help meet funeral, memorial, and repatriation expenses. Efforts are also being coordinated by family members and the Telugu Association of North America to send her body to Hyderabad. “Arrangements are being made to bring her home,” a cousin said.The New York State Fire Investigations Unit has joined the probe. The cause of the fire is still under investigation.
