Overview
- The victim was identified by family as Sahaja Reddy Udumala, a 24-year-old recent cybersecurity graduate from the University at Albany who had begun working in the city.
- Albany police and firefighters responded on December 4 to a home found fully engulfed, pulled four adults from the residence, and later confirmed the woman died from her injuries.
- Two victims were transferred to a specialized burn center after on-scene treatment, according to authorities.
- Fire Chief Joseph Gregory described a “wall of fire” and said strong winds made the operation difficult as crews rescued victims and contained the blaze.
- The New York State fire investigations unit is examining the cause, while a family fundraiser for funeral and repatriation costs has collected over USD 112,000 and the Red Cross is assisting 13 displaced residents, including university students.