A 25-year-old student from Telangana lost his life in Germany after attempting to escape from a fire that broke out in his apartment building on December 31, turning what should have been the start of a new year into a moment of deep grief for his family and community. The student, Hruthik Reddy, hailed from Malkapur village in Jangaon district and had been residing in Brandenburg, near Berlin, while pursuing higher studies.
According to information provided by his family, a fire erupted in the residential building and rapidly spread to the floor where Reddy’s apartment was located. As thick smoke and flames engulfed the area, he found himself trapped inside. In a desperate effort to save his life, he reportedly jumped from an upper floor of the building. The fall resulted in severe head injuries, and despite being rushed to a nearby hospital for emergency treatment, doctors were unable to save him.
German authorities have initiated an investigation to determine the cause of the fire, which remains unknown at this stage. Officials are examining the circumstances surrounding the blaze and the sequence of events that led to the tragic outcome. The incident has sent shockwaves through Reddy’s family and his native village, where news of his death has been met with disbelief and sorrow.
Reddy had moved to Germany in June 2023 to pursue a master’s degree at the University of Europe for Applied Sciences in Potsdam, located southwest of Berlin. Prior to this, he completed his engineering studies in 2022 at Vaagdevi College of Engineering in Warangal. Family members said he was looking forward to returning home to Telangana to celebrate the Sankranti festival with his loved ones, making his sudden death particularly painful for those waiting to welcome him back.
Relatives in Malkapur stated that German authorities formally informed them of the incident and the subsequent death. The family has since appealed to the Ministry of External Affairs and the Indian Embassy in Germany for assistance in completing legal formalities and arranging the repatriation of his mortal remains to India for final rites. They said they are relying on official support to navigate procedures in a foreign country during an emotionally overwhelming time.
The tragedy adds to a series of recent incidents involving students from Telangana studying overseas. Just last month, a 24-year-old woman from the same district died in a house fire in the United States. In another separate incident, two students from the state were killed in a car accident in California. These events have renewed concerns among families about the safety and well-being of young Indians pursuing education abroad, even as authorities continue to stress the importance of support systems and emergency preparedness.
As investigations continue in Germany, Reddy’s family and community remain focused on bringing him home and performing last rites, mourning the loss of a young life that was filled with promise and aspirations.
