Ohio State suspends Sigma Alpha Epsilon after fire incident
University officials placed the fraternity on interim hold after a viral video showed two men on fire on the Columbus campus.
By Takeshi Faure ·
Two men involved in a fire incident on the Ohio State University campus are currently receiving medical care. The university has placed the Sigma Alpha Epsilon fraternity on interim suspension while authorities investigate the events depicted in a widely shared video.
The footage, which circulated rapidly on social media, shows a chaotic scene on the main campus in Columbus. One individual is seen with sweatpants that have caught fire. This person then lunges at a second individual, tackling him to the ground. During the struggle, the second man’s clothing ignites. Both individuals roll on the ground to extinguish the flames, removing their clothing in the process. Several onlookers rush in to intervene.
Benjamin Johnson, a university spokesperson, confirmed the suspension is pending the outcome of the investigation. He stated that the matter has been formally referred to the university’s internal review process and the Columbus police department. Johnson noted that the individuals involved are currently under medical care. He emphasized that the university expects students and student organizations to uphold values of a safe and healthy environment.
Columbus Police Sergeant Joe Albert indicated that the incident appears to have occurred on Saturday. However, police did not receive any direct calls for service at the location at the time. The matter came to their attention on Sunday evening when someone reported that the video was circulating online. This timeline places the event within the last 48 hours relative to the university’s announcement.
Steve Mitchell, the CEO of Sigma Alpha Epsilon, stated that behavior which violates the organization’s standards has no place within its ranks. He assured the public that the fraternity will take appropriate action to hold those responsible accountable based on the findings of the ongoing investigation. Mitchell added that the organization is working closely with university officials and local law enforcement to resolve the situation.
The incident occurred on the university’s main campus, which is home to more than 62,000 students. The temporary suspension of the fraternity affects the student community on campus. The investigation is ongoing, with the university and police collaborating to clarify the sequence of events. The next step in the process will be determined by the findings of the internal review and police examination.
The university has not yet announced a specific date for the suspension to end. The fraternity’s national leadership continues to coordinate with local authorities. The two men involved in the incident remain under medical care. The video has been viewed by a wide audience, drawing attention to the campus incident from both the academic community and local law enforcement.
