Two people suffered second- and third-degree burns after their clothing caught fire during an outdoor gathering near Ohio State University.
The incident occurred on the morning of November 7 in the 1900 block of Indianola Avenue, according to a preliminary report from the Columbus Division of Police. A widely circulated social media video captured two individuals, both wearing gray sweatpants, whose clothing became engulfed in flames.
As the chaos unfolded, the footage showed a large circle of onlookers, many dressed in Ohio State’s red and white colors, watching as the two men fell to the ground and attempted to remove their burning clothes. Bystanders eventually intervened to help extinguish the flames.
Police Respond to Video of Student Being Burned
While the event took place on a Saturday, the Columbus Division of Police stated they received no calls for service to the area that day. The department was only alerted on Sunday, November 8, after a student who viewed the video in a sorority group chat contacted authorities.
In an audio recording of a 911 call released by police, a caller described the scene by saying, “They put gasoline on him and lit him on fire, and then just kind of stood there and laughed.” Another student who reported the video to dispatchers stated, “They stood around watching while this kid just burned.”
The victims were transported to a hospital in a private vehicle. As of Monday, they were receiving medical care for their injuries. Investigators have said that the victims participated in a “dangerous” activity, and the police report explicitly lists hazing as the charge currently under investigation.
Ohio State and Sigma Alpha Epsilon Address Incident
Ohio State University spokesperson Benjamin Johnson confirmed the administration is aware of what he described as an “extremely concerning incident.” In a public statement, Johnson emphasized the university’s position: “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.”
Sigma Alpha Epsilon’s national headquarters has also responded to the incident. Steve Mitchell confirmed the organization is working closely with university officials and local law enforcement.
“Sigma Alpha Epsilon holds its collegiate members to high 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,” Mitchell said. The fraternity chapter is currently prohibited from participating in any activities as a registered student organization.
Context of Greek Life Scrutiny
The suspension of the SAE chapter is not an isolated disciplinary action at Ohio State. In April of this year, the university suspended the Kappa Delta Rho fraternity for alcohol and hazing violations, and earlier this year, Pi Kappa Phi was revoked for 10 years following a separate incident that resulted in a student’s hospitalization.
Sigma Alpha Epsilon has faced similar challenges nationally. In 2014, the national organization eliminated its pledge system. Despite this, the fraternity has faced high-profile controversies elsewhere, including a 2022 incident at the University of New Hampshire where 46 members were charged with hazing.
The fraternity, which counts notable figures such as former President William McKinley, author William Faulkner, actor Sam Elliott, and NFL coach Pete Carroll among its historical members, was labeled the “deadliest fraternity” in a 2013 Bloomberg report.
The current investigation at Ohio State unfolds against a backdrop of intensified national scrutiny regarding fraternity conduct. In Ohio, current regulations are governed by “Collin’s Law,” signed in 2021, which toughened penalties for hazing. These policies define hazing as any activity tied to initiation or continued membership that causes or creates a substantial risk of physical or mental harm or humiliation.