A second Indian national has died from severe burn injuries sustained in a devastating house fire in Albany, New York, US authorities and the Consulate General of India in New York confirmed on Saturday. The tragedy follows the death of Sahaja Reddy Udumala, a 24-year-old master’s student, who succumbed to her injuries a day earlier.
Second victim confirmed deceased
The latest victim, Anvesh Sarapelli, had been receiving critical care after being rescued from the burning residence earlier this week. Despite intensive treatment, he passed away on Saturday, according to information shared by US authorities and news agency PTI.
Udumala and Sarapelli were among four individuals found inside the home near Quail Street when police and firefighters responded to a 4 December emergency call. When crews arrived, the structure was already fully engulfed in flames. Rescue teams pulled the occupants to safety, provided on-site treatment, and rushed them to Albany Medical Centre Hospital.
Due to the severity of their injuries, both Udumala and Sarapelli were later transferred to the Westchester Medical Burn Centre for advanced treatment. Albany Police later confirmed that “tragically”, both Indian nationals succumbed to their injuries.
Indian Consulate expresses grief, extends assistance
The Consulate General of India in New York expressed deep sorrow at Sarapelli’s passing.
“We are deeply saddened by the untimely demise of Mr Anvesh Sarepalli, an Indian national, who lost his life in a house fire incident in Albany. Our thoughts and heartfelt condolences are with his family in this difficult time,” the mission said in a social-media statement.
The consulate added that it is in regular contact with the affected families and is providing necessary assistance, including coordination with hospitals and support for further arrangements.
Families seek help for funeral and repatriation
With both victims’ families facing significant emotional and financial strain, community members have begun mobilising support for funeral and repatriation costs. A GoFundMe campaign has been launched by Udumala’s cousin, Rathna Gopu, to help cover funeral and memorial expenses, repatriation formalities, and other costs arising from the tragedy.
On the fundraising page, Gopu wrote that Udumala suffered burns covering nearly 90 per cent of her body and fought for her life before dying of complete organ failure. She described the loss of the two young Indians as an “unimaginable tragedy” for their families and loved ones.
Investigation into the blaze
Authorities have not yet released details of what caused the fire. Police confirmed that several people were trapped inside when emergency teams arrived and that the residence was already consumed by fast-spreading flames.
Local community organisations have also stepped forward to support the grieving families, offering help with documentation, counselling resources and coordination with authorities.
Shock and sorrow across Indian community abroad
The twin tragedies have sparked grief among the Indian diaspora across the United States, especially among student and professional networks in New York. Messages of solidarity and condolences continue to circulate widely on social media, with many urging support for the families as they navigate the difficult process of repatriation and funeral arrangements.
As investigations continue, the Indian Consulate has assured families that it will remain closely involved to ensure necessary assistance is provided promptly.