Fraternity Suspended After Fire Incident

Ohio State University temporarily suspended the Sigma Alpha Epsilon fraternity after a video showed two men engulfed in flames while a crowd laughed.

The clip circulated on social media displays a group in red and white clothing watching a man in a gray sweatsuit sit on the ground with burning pants. The man ran and dove into another man in an identical outfit, igniting that man’s clothes. Both men fell and stripped off their garments as flames spread.

Several men rushed to extinguish the fire, with at least one holding a fire extinguisher. University spokesperson Benjamin Johnson said the individuals in question are receiving medical care. He added that the university is aware of the extremely concerning incident and expects student organizations to uphold its values.

The university has not yet clarified how the fraternity is linked to the incident or if the men involved were members. Columbus Police Sgt. Joe Albert stated the event appeared to happen on Saturday. Police did not receive calls for service regarding the fire, only a report about the online video.

It is unclear if the men were students or if the incident involved a hazing ritual. Sigma Alpha Epsilon CEO Steve Mitchell said the organization is actively investigating the circumstances. He noted that they are working closely with university officials and local law enforcement to hold those accountable.

The suspension is interim while the university reviews the situation. No further details have been released regarding the condition of the two men.