Fatal New York blaze: Indian students die as house erupts in flames

The deceased was identified as Sahaja Reddy Udumala, 24 and Anvesh Sarepalli

Expressing grief over her death, the Indian Consulate in New York said in a post on X: “We are deeply saddened by the untimely demise of Ms Sahaja Reddy Udumala, an Indian national, who lost her life in a house fire incident in Albany.”

The Consulate said it is in touch with her family and is extending all possible assistance.

“Our thoughts and heartfelt condolences are with her family during this difficult time,” it added.

Confirming the death of the other Indian national in the tragedy, the Indian Consulate said: "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 Consulate is in touch with his family and is providing all possible assistance."

Sharing details of the incident, the Albany Police Department said officers and personnel from the Albany Fire Department responded to the fire on December 4.

“Upon arrival, officers and firefighters observed the residence fully engulfed in flames and learned that several individuals were still inside the home,” police said in a statement.

Authorities said four adult victims were located inside the residence and were treated at the scene by fire department and emergency medical personnel before being transported to Albany Medical Center Hospital with serious injuries.

"Two of the victims were later transferred to Westchester Medical Burn Center for further treatment. Tragically, Sahaja Umudala and Anvesh Sarapelli have both succumbed to their injuries they sustained in the fire," police said in the statement.

Police also said a neighbouring residence sustained damage due to the flames.

A joint investigation by the Albany Police Department and the Albany Fire Department into the cause of the fire is ongoing, officials said.