Tallahassee, Florida, USA: Friends of 27-year-old Indian student Preet Harsoda are urgently appealing for help after a massive fire at an apartment complex near Florida State University left around 30 Indian students displaced, with two suffering critical burn injuries.

The incident occurred on November 19, when a fire tore through an apartment building at The Social Seminole on Ocala Road. Many FSU students lived in the complex and rushed out in panic as flames spread rapidly. According to the Indian Students’ Association in Tallahassee, the blaze severely impacted dozens of Indian students who lost their belongings, documents, and housing overnight.

Among the most seriously injured is Preet Harsoda, who had recently moved from India to pursue higher studies in Florida. A fundraiser created by his friend Ilesh Patel revealed that Preet sustained 65–70% burn injuries. He was first admitted to Tallahassee Memorial Hospital and later flown to UF Health Shands Hospital in Gainesville, where he remains in the ICU.

“Preet arrived in the US with hopes of shaping a better future through education, but everything changed in a single night,” Ilesh wrote. He added that doctors had to perform multiple emergency procedures to restore circulation, and Preet would require several surgeries, skin grafting, and long-term treatment.

FSU faculty members have also stepped in. Professor Beth Stroupe from the Biological Science department started another fundraiser, saying the students “came with just a few suitcases and were building their lives here.” She added that the affected students escaped the building with only the clothes they were wearing.

Professor Scott Stagg echoed the concern, noting how difficult it is for newcomers to the country who suddenly lose everything. One student recalled the terrifying escape: “I could feel the fire following me. The heat on my back was unbearable—I thought I was burning.”

Multiple campaigns are now underway to support the students as they attempt to recover from the disaster.