Support Murthy and Sita’s Family After Devastating Sammamish Fire on Mother's Day
We are reaching out with deep urgency and humility to request prayers, compassion, and support for a family closely connected to the Seattle community and the Vedic Cultural Center.
Murthy and Sita’s two children — Panav (22) and Niharika (18) — were critically injured in a devastating two-alarm apartment fire in Sammamish and are currently hospitalized at Harborview Medical Center.
The fire reportedly began from an unknown source in the attic and spread rapidly through the apartment building. The family lost everything within moments. Initial reports also indicate that the building’s fire alarms and sprinkler system failed to operate properly during the emergency.
Media Coverage
This tragic incident has been covered by local media:
**The Seattle Times:**
https://www.seattletimes.com/seattle-news/eastside/2-suffer-life-threatening-injuries-in-sammamish-apartment-fire/
**MSN News:**
https://www.msn.com/en-us/news/us/2-hospitalized-with-life-threatening-injuries-from-sammamish-apartment-fire/ar-AA22R5T8?ocid=BingNewsVerp
**KING 5 Video Coverage:**
https://www.king5.com/video/news/local/sammamish-apartment-fire-injures-2-displaces-20/281-11d9f9bf-3fb3-4968-add4-eebd7ca69501
**KIRO 7 Video Coverage:**
Current Medical Situation
Panav, 22
Panav, an Electrical Engineering student at the University of Washington, remains in critical condition and is currently in an induced coma.
Doctors are closely monitoring severe smoke inhalation and lung damage. Based on what the family has been told, Panav’s lung injury has been assessed at approximately **2.5–3 on a 4-point severity scale**, indicating a serious level of lung impact. If recovery is possible, doctors have indicated that it may involve a minimum of two years of treatment, rehabilitation, and long-term monitoring.
Niharika, 18
Niharika is a senior at Skyline High School. She suffered fractures and smoke inhalation injuries and has successfully undergone surgery for fractures in her wrist and hand. She remains under continued medical supervision.
Due to the trauma of the incident, she does not fully remember what happened. Even while recovering in the hospital, she has been worried about her IB exams, showing the kind of dedicated student she is.
Respiratory Treatment
Both Panav and Niharika have undergone bronchoscopy procedures with bronchial lavage, a medical procedure used to examine and clear the airways after smoke inhalation and assess damage to the lungs.
Both children continue to require intensive monitoring, respiratory care, and ongoing medical treatment.
The Family Has Lost Everything
In addition to this medical crisis, the family’s home was completely destroyed.
They lost:
* Their home
* Personal belongings
* Savings
* Jewelry and valuables
* Important documents
* Clothing and everyday essentials
They escaped with only the clothes they were wearing.
About the Family
Murthy and Sita have been active members of the Vedic Cultural Center for over a decade, where they are known for their humility, kindness, and quiet service.
Like many immigrant families, they have dedicated their lives to supporting their children’s education, future, and well-being. Today, they are facing every parent’s worst nightmare.
Panav is pursuing Electrical Engineering at the University of Washington, and Niharika is a senior at Skyline High School.
How Your Support Will Help
At this time, the family is facing overwhelming medical, emotional, and financial burdens.
Donations will directly support:
* ICU and critical hospital care
* Lung and respiratory treatment
* Surgeries and rehabilitation
* Long-term recovery support
* Temporary housing and relocation
* Clothing, food, and basic essentials
* Replacement of important documents and necessities
* Educational and recovery-related expenses
No contribution is too small. Every donation, prayer, and share will help this family begin to recover and rebuild after an unimaginable tragedy.
A Request for Privacy
The family is currently under extreme emotional and physical stress. We kindly ask everyone to avoid direct calls or messages unless absolutely necessary.
Closing
We humbly ask the community, friends, neighbors, and all compassionate hearts to come together in support of this family.
Please keep Panav and Niharika in your prayers, along with Murthy and Sita, as they face this heartbreaking and uncertain road ahead.
Thank you sincerely for your compassion, prayers, generosity, and support.