Two Indian Students Die in London House Fire, Third Hospitalised

February 28, 2026

London/Croydon: Two Indian students tragically lost their lives and a third was left critically injured after a devastating house fire broke out in Croydon, South London on February 23, 2026. The incident occurred at a rented two-storey house where the students were sharing accommodation while pursuing higher education abroad.

The blaze quickly engulfed the property, forcing emergency services to respond swiftly. Firefighters and police were called to the scene in the early hours of the morning, but by then the fire had already consumed much of the building.

Victims Identified: From Andhra Pradesh and Telangana

Among the victims was Kamineni Sai Srikar, a 26-year-old from Nizamabad, Telangana. Srikar was pulled from the wreckage and rushed to Croydon University Hospital in critical condition, suffering severe injuries and smoke inhalation. Despite doctors’ best efforts, he was declared brain-dead on February 26 and later succumbed to his injuries. His heart-broken family has urged authorities to expedite arrangements to repatriate his mortal remains to India.

The second victim was Ganti Abhishek, a 28-year-old MBA student from Peddapuram in Kakinada district, Andhra Pradesh. Abhishek, who had moved to London in 2023 to pursue his MBA, died at the scene from smoke inhalation when the fire broke out late at night. His family was informed by the UK Consulate, and the news has left his hometown and extended family deeply devastated.

Third Student Hospitalized After Blaze

The third occupant of the house managed to escape the initial inferno but was also hospitalized after sustaining injuries and smoke inhalation. Reports indicate he remains in serious condition and is receiving intensive care at a London hospital. Authorities have not yet released his identity pending family notification and medical updates.

Fire crews deployed to the incident included around 40 firefighters and six fire engines, who battled the blaze and worked to contain the fire and rescue the trapped students.

Investigation Launched into Cause of Fire

The London Fire Brigade and the Metropolitan Police Service have launched a joint investigation to determine the cause of the deadly fire. Early signs suggest the blaze spread rapidly, but detailed findings on the origin and contributing factors have yet to be publicly released. Investigators are reviewing witness statements, CCTV footage from nearby properties, and the structural damage at the scene.

Officials have not ruled out accidental causes, though all possibilities remain under scrutiny. The investigation aims to provide clarity and closure to the victims’ families and the wider student community affected by this tragedy.

Community and Family Grief After Loss

The tragedy has deeply impacted both the Indian diaspora in London and the victims’ hometowns in Andhra Pradesh and Telangana. Friends, fellow students, and local residents mourned the untimely deaths of Srikar and Abhishek, remembering them as hardworking young individuals striving to achieve their educational dreams abroad.

Family members have expressed profound grief, while also highlighting Srikar’s parents’ decision to donate his organs, a gesture that has inspired support from many within the Indian community in the UK.

The UK Consulate has pledged support to the families, assisting with formalities and preparations for the repatriation of the deceased students’ remains to India. Consular officials are also offering guidance to the injured student’s family during this difficult time