Video appears to show two men engulfed in flames
Ohio State University placed the Sigma Alpha Epsilon fraternity on interim suspension while it investigates a video that appears to show two panicked men engulfed in flames. University spokesperson Benjamin Johnson said the university referred the matter to university and Columbus police.
A video shared on social media appears to show one man with his sweatpants on fire lunging at a second man and tackling him to the ground. The second man’s clothing also catches fire, and both men roll on the ground removing their clothes as several onlookers intervene. Columbus Police Sgt. Joe Albert said it appears the matter took place on Saturday.
Police did not receive any calls for service at the location, Albert said, but someone called police Sunday evening reporting that the video was circulating online.
Benjamin Johnson, a university spokesperson, said: “The university is aware of this extremely concerning incident, and the individuals in question are receiving medical care.” Johnson also said: “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.”
More than 60,000 students are enrolled at the university’s Columbus campus.
Steve Mitchell, CEO of Sigma Alpha Epsilon, said behavior that violates the fraternity’s high standards has no place in its organization and that the fraternity would 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,” Mitchell said in a statement.