The social media footage shows a crowd gathered outdoors, with many people wearing Ohio State’s red and white colors. Amid laughter and shouting, one man is seen sitting on the ground as fire spreads across his sweatpants. He then rushes toward and tackles another man, whose clothing also catches fire. Both men roll across the ground and try to remove their burning clothes while people in the crowd move in to help. One person appears to use a small fire extinguisher.
Benjamin Johnson, a university spokesperson, said Sigma Alpha Epsilon has been placed on interim suspension while the school examines what happened. The matter has also been referred to Ohio State and Columbus police. Officials have not disclosed the fraternity’s precise connection to the incident, whether the men are students or their medical conditions as of Monday.
“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.”
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Columbus Police Sgt. Joe Albert said the incident appears to have occurred Saturday. No one contacted police for assistance at the location at the time, but a caller reported Sunday evening that the video was circulating online, he said.
Steve Mitchell, chief executive officer of Sigma Alpha Epsilon, said conduct inconsistent with the fraternity’s standards would not be tolerated and that the organization would pursue appropriate action once the investigation determines who was responsible.
“We take this matter seriously and are actively investigating the circumstances surrounding the incident while working closely with university officials and local law enforcement,” Mitchell said.
Ohio State University has an enrollment of more than 60,000 students.
