Ohio State suspends SAE fraternity after video shows two men on fire
Seven Lights
Ohio State University placed its Sigma Alpha Epsilon fraternity chapter on interim suspension this week after a video circulated online showing two young men on fire while a crowd of students watched and laughed.
The footage, filmed at an off-campus event in Columbus, shows one man in a grey sweat suit sitting with his pants burning before he stands, runs and dives into another man in identical clothing, setting his clothes alight as well. Both men struggled, fell to the ground and stripped off burning clothing as the flames crept up their bodies, while others rushed in to douse the fire; at least one bystander held a fire extinguisher. Laughter was audible throughout, from a crowd clad in the school’s red and white. The video spread across social media platforms over the weekend.
“The university is aware of this extremely concerning incident, and the individuals in question are receiving medical care,” university spokesperson Benjamin Johnson said in a statement. Ohio State said it was “committed to a safe and healthy environment and expects students and student organizations to uphold that commitment and the university’s values.” The administration referred the matter to law enforcement but had not clarified how the fraternity was linked to the incident or whether those involved are members. The interim suspension was announced on Sunday and runs while a full investigation proceeds.
Columbus Police Sergeant Joe Albert said the scene appeared to unfold at an event on Saturday, but police received no calls for service other than a report about the video circulating online. The conditions of the two men were unclear. It was not established whether they were students caught up in some form of hazing ritual.
The case recalls a pattern of fraternity incidents that have forced universities and national organizations to revisit chapter oversight. Police and university investigations remained open.