Fraternity suspended as Ohio State investigates video of men engulfed in flames

10 Nov 2026 • 4:20 AM MYT
The Independent
The Independent

The world’s most free-thinking newspaper

Fraternity suspended as Ohio State investigates video of men engulfed in flames

A fraternity at Ohio State University has been suspended after a video circulated online appearing to show two panicked men on fire.

The footage, shared on social media, shows one man with his sweatpants on fire lunging at a second person and tackling him to the ground.

The second man's clothing also catches fire, and the pair roll on the ground removing their clothes as several onlookers rush to intervene.

Ohio State placed Sigma Alpha Epsilon fraternity on interim suspension while it investigates, university spokesperson Benjamin Johnson said.

More than 60,000 students are enrolled at the university's Columbus campus (Getty Images)

Johnson said the matter has also been referred to university and Columbus police.

“The university is aware of this extremely concerning incident, and the individuals in question are receiving medical care,” Johnson said in a statement. “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.”

Columbus Police Sgt. Joe Albert said it appears the incident took place on Saturday. He said police did not receive any calls for assistance at the location, but someone called police Sunday evening reporting that the video was circulating online.

Steve Mitchell, CEO of Sigma Alpha Epsilon, said behavior that violates its high standards has no place in its organization. He said it will take appropriate action to hold those responsible accountable based on the investigation.

“We take this matter seriously and are actively investigating the circumstances surrounding the incident while working closely with university officials and local law enforcement,” he said in a statement.

More than 60,000 students are enrolled at the university's Columbus campus.

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