Ohio State University has placed the Sigma Alpha Epsilon fraternity on interim suspension after a video showed two people engulfed in flames near campus. The incident occurred Saturday, November 7, in the 1900 block of Indianola Avenue in Columbus, Ohio. University officials referred the matter to campus police and local law enforcement, while investigators examine whether criminal acts occurred. The extent of the two men’s injuries was not immediately known.
The video circulated online and showed onlookers surrounding the men as they attempted to remove burning clothing. Police said they were not called to the location on the day of the incident and learned about the footage the following evening.
| 1) | Video shows two people engulfed in flames |
| 2) | Ohio State places fraternity on interim suspension |
| 3) | Columbus police and arson investigators examine incident |
| 4) | National fraternity organization launches review |
| 5) | Incident adds to scrutiny of fraternity conduct |
Video shows two people engulfed in flames
The footage showed one man on the ground with flames covering much of his lower body while a crowd stood nearby. He rose and ran across an open area before colliding with a second man, whose clothing then also caught fire. Both men fell as people around them tried to help extinguish the flames.
The men attempted to remove their sweatpants and other burning clothing. One person tried to stomp out the flames, while others used clothing to smother them. The video captured people shouting as the men rolled or moved across the ground. It was not immediately clear what caused the fire or how seriously either man was injured.
Ohio State places fraternity on interim suspension
Ohio State said it was aware of the incident and that the individuals involved were receiving needed medical care. University spokesperson Ben Johnson said the school had placed Sigma Alpha Epsilon on interim suspension while a full investigation proceeds.
The suspension affects the fraternity during the university’s review and does not establish what led to the fire. Ohio State referred the matter to its police department and the Columbus Division of Police after officials became aware of the video.
“The university is aware of this extremely concerning incident, and the individuals in question are receiving needed medical care.”
Columbus police and arson investigators examine incident
Columbus police said the incident appeared to have occurred on Saturday, November 7, near the university in the 1900 block of Indianola Avenue. No police call was made from the area that day, despite the visible fire and the presence of a crowd.
Police were alerted to the circulating video the next evening by Ohio State and by a separate caller. Department spokesperson Joe Albert said investigators are working with university officials and the Columbus Division of Fire’s Arson Unit to determine whether criminal conduct occurred. Authorities have not announced charges or identified a cause for the fire.
National fraternity organization launches review
Sigma Alpha Epsilon’s national organization said it was aware of the video and was investigating the circumstances with Ohio State and local law enforcement. CEO Steve Mitchell said the organization takes the matter seriously and expects collegiate members to meet standards of conduct and accountability.
“Behavior that violates these standards has no place in our organization. We are committed to holding those responsible accountable and will take appropriate action based on the findings of the investigation.”
The national organization has not announced any additional disciplinary action. Its review is expected to proceed alongside the university and police investigations.
Incident adds to scrutiny of fraternity conduct
The episode comes as fraternities across the United States face renewed attention over hazing investigations, student injuries and deaths connected to Greek life. Those broader concerns provide context for the university’s decision to suspend the chapter while facts are established.
At Ohio State, the central questions remain what caused the clothing to ignite, why the men were in the situation shown in the video and whether anyone’s actions violated criminal law or university and fraternity rules. Investigators are relying on the footage and other information to reconstruct what happened.
| Number | Key Point |
|---|---|
| 1 | Ohio State placed Sigma Alpha Epsilon on interim suspension. |
| 2 | Video showed two men on fire near campus on November 7. |
| 3 | Columbus police and the fire department’s Arson Unit are investigating. |
| 4 | No charges or cause of the fire had been announced. |
Summary
Ohio State’s interim suspension of Sigma Alpha Epsilon reflects the seriousness of a video showing two people on fire near campus. University officials, Columbus police and arson investigators are reviewing the incident, while the fraternity’s national organization conducts its own inquiry. The circumstances, injuries and possible criminal conduct remain under investigation.
Frequently Asked Questions
When did the incident occur?
Police said it appeared to have occurred Saturday, November 7, in the 1900 block of Indianola Avenue in Columbus, near Ohio State.
What action did Ohio State take?
The university placed Sigma Alpha Epsilon on interim suspension pending a full investigation and referred the matter to university and local police.
Are criminal charges expected?
No charges had been announced. Columbus police and the Columbus Division of Fire’s Arson Unit are determining whether criminal acts occurred.
What is known about the two people?
A video showed two men whose clothing caught fire. Officials said they were receiving needed medical care, but the severity of their injuries was not disclosed.
