• Source:JND
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Albany house fire:A second Indian national has died due to severe burn injuries sustained in a devastating house fire in Albany, New York, the Indian Consulate in New York confirmed on Saturday. The victim, identified as Anvesh Sarapelli, had been undergoing critical treatment since the incident and passed away a day after another Indian student, Sahaja Reddy Udumala, succumbed to her injuries.

US authorities said both victims were rescued from a burning residence near Quail Street on December 4, after firefighters found multiple people trapped inside the house, which was fully engulfed in flames when emergency teams arrived.

Victims Suffered Extensive Burn Injuries

According to officials, Sarapelli and Udumala were among four individuals found inside the residence. Emergency responders administered first aid at the site before shifting the injured to Albany Medical Center Hospital. Due to the severity of their condition, both were later transferred to the Westchester Medical Burn Center for advanced treatment.

Despite intensive medical care, both victims suffered critical burns. Udumala, a 24-year-old master’s student in Albany, sustained nearly 90 per cent burns and eventually died of multiple organ failure, as stated by her family.

Indian Consulate Expresses Grief, Offers Assistance

The Consulate General of India in New York expressed deep sorrow over Sarapelli’s death. In a post on social media, the mission said it was “deeply saddened by the untimely demise of Mr Anvesh Sarapelli, an Indian national, who lost his life in a house fire in Albany,” adding that its thoughts and condolences are with the bereaved family.

The consulate also confirmed that it is in constant touch with the families of both victims and is providing all possible assistance, including help related to medical coordination, documentation, and further arrangements. Earlier, the Consulate had also issued a separate statement mourning Udumala’s death and assured full support to her family during the difficult time.

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Family Seeks Support For Repatriation

Preliminary information suggests that the fire may have started in a neighbouring structure before rapidly spreading to the residence where the victims were staying. Police said one of the victims was reportedly asleep when the fire broke out and could not escape in time. The exact cause of the blaze is under investigation. Authorities have not yet released further details regarding the condition of the other injured individuals.

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Following Udumala’s death, her cousin, RathnaGopu, launched a fundraising campaign to help cover funeral and memorial expenses, repatriation costs, and other emergency needs. In an emotional appeal, Gopu described Sahaja as a bright, hardworking student with dreams of building her future in the US. The families of both victims continue to await further administrative formalities as the Indian mission works closely with local authorities.

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