An Ohio State University fraternity has been placed on interim suspension after a video surfaced showing two people engulfed in flames at a party while onlookers watched.
The Sigma Alpha Epsilon chapter is not currently operating, university officials confirmed, though they have not stated whether any fraternity members appeared in the footage or if the organization was directly involved in the incident.
Benjamin Johnson, a university spokesperson, addressed the situation in a statement. “The university is aware of this extremely concerning incident, and the individuals in question are receiving medical care,” he said. “Ohio State is committed to a safe and healthy environment and expects students and student organizations to uphold that commitment and the university’s values.”
The clip, which spread rapidly online, shows a man in a gray sweatsuit seated on the ground with his pants on fire. He bolted to his feet and ran in circles trying to extinguish the flames, then collided with another student dressed in similar clothing, who also caught fire. Both men tumbled to the ground as others rushed to help, at one point stripping off their burning clothes while someone held a fire extinguisher nearby.
What caused the fire remains unclear, and the severity of any injuries has not been disclosed.
Police said no 911 calls came in during the incident itself, which occurred on Saturday. The Columbus Division of Police learned of the episode the following day, Sunday, when someone filed a report.
“The Columbus Division of Police was alerted by The Ohio State University to the video that is circulating online showing two individuals on fire,” Sgt. Joe Albert, a department spokesperson, said in an interview.
Ohio State and the Columbus Division of Fire’s Arson Unit are now collaborating with investigators to determine whether any criminal act occurred.
Sigma Alpha Epsilon’s national organization has also opened its own probe. CEO Steve Mitchell said: “Sigma Alpha Epsilon is aware of a concerning video involving an incident at The Ohio State University. We take this matter seriously and are actively investigating the circumstances surrounding the incident while working closely with university officials and local law enforcement.”
The video captures a chaotic scene in which the two burning men struggled to put out the flames while a larger crowd reacted with what appeared to be hysterical laughter and shock rather than immediate assistance. The footage ends with the pair on the ground, clothes partially removed, as others finally moved to intervene.
The university has not specified how long the suspension will remain in effect or what conditions the fraternity must meet to resume operations.