Two men suffered burns after catching fire during an Ohio State fraternity party hosted by a campus Greek organization, prompting an immediate investigation by university officials and local police.
According to reports from NBC News and other outlets, Ohio State University has temporarily suspended the activities of the Sigma Alpha Epsilon (SAE) fraternity. University officials categorized the incident as “extremely concerning” and referred the matter to both the campus police and the Columbus Division of Police.
Footage circulating online shows a man with his athletic pants on fire rushing toward another individual and knocking him to the ground. Both men attempted to extinguish the flames by rolling on the floor and trying to remove their clothing. Bystanders nearby attempted to put out the fire using portable fire extinguishers.
According to NBC News, footage captured from a separate angle suggests that a second man also had his pants on fire before falling to the ground.
Columbus police stated that the incident occurred near campus on November 7. Authorities noted that no emergency call was received on the day of the event, and officers only became aware of the situation the following day through online video footage. Police, in collaboration with fire department officials, are investigating whether any criminal activity occurred. Both victims are receiving medical treatment, though the specific extent of their injuries has not been disclosed.
The national headquarters of Sigma Alpha Epsilon has also launched an internal investigation. Chief Executive Officer Steve Mitchell stated that the organization will hold responsible parties accountable and take appropriate action based on the findings of the probe.
The fraternity has a history of disciplinary issues related to hazing and misconduct. According to Bloomberg, nine deaths linked to alcohol, drugs, and hazing occurred within the organization between 2006 and 2013. In 2022, 46 members of the SAE chapter at the University of New Hampshire were charged in connection with hazing allegations.
Sigma Alpha Epsilon was founded in 1856 at the University of Alabama. Notable former members include former U.S. President William McKinley, author William Faulkner, actor Sam Elliott, and NFL coach Pete Carroll.
This incident comes amid a broader wave of scrutiny surrounding fraternity culture on college campuses. At Cornell University, hazing and sexual assault allegations involving the Chi Phi fraternity have led to civil lawsuits and renewed investigations.
At California State University, Fullerton (CSUF), a freshman student passed away last month after attending an unsanctioned fraternity gathering. Meanwhile, Louisiana State University suspended two fraternities following reports that new members were forced to endure excessive water dousing and the consumption of forced amounts of alcohol.
