Ohio State University has suspended a fraternity after a video appeared to show two male students catching fire while fellow members watched, laughed and seemingly encouraged them.
Ben Johnson, a university spokesperson, described the footage involving members of Sigma Alpha Epsilon as “extremely concerning” in a statement to Our News Outlet.
Johnson said the fraternity was suspended after the university conducted a full investigation. Ohio State’s website currently lists the chapter as inactive because of conduct concerns.
The 35-second video shows a student wearing a grey sweatsuit writhing on the ground while engulfed in flames.
A group of people dressed in university clothing stood nearby, appearing to cheer as the student struggled.
The burning student then ran toward another man in a matching grey sweatsuit and tackled him, causing the flames to spread. One person attempted to use a fire extinguisher, but it did not appear to work.
Laughter can be heard in the background, along with people shouting, “Oh my god” and “Oh s***.” Several students eventually stepped in, helping both men remove their clothing in an effort to put out the fire.
Others tossed clothing over the students as they tried to smother the flames. One of the men was eventually seen rolling across the ground before removing his clothes.
Sigma Alpha Epsilon has been suspended at Ohio State University following reports of a hazing incident involving two students who caught fire
A widely shared video appears to show two male students in matching grey sweatsuits engulfed in flames
Students appeared to cheer and laugh as the two men scrambled to extinguish the flames
It is not known who first posted the footage. Since then, the clip has circulated widely across multiple accounts on X and TikTok.
Johnson said Ohio State had referred the matter to campus police and local law enforcement for a full investigation. He added that the two students shown in the video were receiving medical treatment.
A Columbus Fire Department spokesperson told local news stations that the students were transported in a private vehicle to a nearby hospital with burn injuries. Both were reported to be in stable condition.
The incident reportedly took place Saturday, following a home football game, at a party in a neighborhood known for its Greek-life houses.
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Sigma Alpha Epsilon has a substantial presence at Ohio State, including an 8,000-square-foot brick fraternity house on Indianola Avenue.
Officials have not confirmed whether the gathering was held at the fraternity’s main house. The backyard visible in the footage appeared to correspond with one of the chapter’s annex properties, according to the Columbus Dispatch.
The case marks the ninth hazing incident reported at Ohio State this year, according to the university’s Campus Hazing Transparency Report.
The most recent reported case involved Alpha Sigma Phi in September. The organization was placed on disciplinary probation after new members were allegedly made to eat whole limes and sort Skittles by color.
Pi Kappa Phi, Kappa Delta Rho and Phi Gamma Delta also faced disciplinary action this year over allegations that alcohol was provided to underage students.
Pi Kappa Phi, Kappa Delta Rho, Alpha Eta Rho, Alpha Epsilon Phi, Theta Tau and Delta Sigma Phi were cited for requiring recruits to clean up after events or take part in humiliating activities.
Ohio State officials condemned the footage and said they were investigating the incident (file photo)
The incident reportedly occurred after a home football game (file photo)
The alleged incident is Sigma Alpha Epsilon’s first disciplinary case of the year. Steve Mitchell, the fraternity’s national CEO, said the organization was taking the allegations seriously and cooperating with officials.
“Sigma Alpha Epsilon holds its collegiate members to high standards of conduct and accountability,” Mitchell said.
“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.”
Hazing has been a felony in Ohio since 2021, when Governor Mike DeWine signed Collin’s Law following the death of an Ohio University freshman during a hazing ritual.
Fraternities and sororities have faced years of scrutiny over hazing practices that can be humiliating, dangerous and, in some cases, violent.
Greek organizations have also faced renewed national attention this year after allegations involving fraternity members at Cornell University, who were accused of violently drugging and sexually assaulting a female student.
The Daily Mail has contacted Sigma Alpha Epsilon for further comment, as well as local authorities, for an update on the investigation.
