Ohio State Suspends Fraternity After Video Shows Men Set On Fire
Ohio State University has suspended its Sigma Alpha Epsilon fraternity chapter after a widely shared video appeared to show two young men being set on fire during a gathering near campus on Saturday, leaving both with serious burns and prompting a police investigation.[1]
The suspension came as Columbus police confirmed that the men, described as participants in a "dangerous activity," suffered second- and third-degree burns when flames spread across their clothing, and as a 911 caller reported a video that seemed to show pledges being doused with gasoline before being ignited.[1] In the clip, one man's sweatpants are seen on fire before a second man also catches fire while dozens of bystanders, many wearing Ohio State colors, look on and some rush forward to help.[1]
The incident occurred Saturday, November 8, when the two men, associated with the SAE chapter at Ohio State, were burned during what police later described as a reckless stunt rather than an accident.[1] On Sunday, a caller phoned 911 after seeing the video online, telling dispatchers, "They set their pledges on fire," and alleging that gasoline had been poured on at least one of the men before the flames erupted.[1]
Columbus police say they are reviewing the video and interviewing witnesses as they determine whether criminal charges are warranted, while Ohio State officials have temporarily halted all SAE activities on campus pending the outcome of the investigation.[1] The two injured men were taken for medical treatment after sustaining burns that police say could have lasting effects, though their exact conditions have not been publicly released.[1]
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📌 Key Facts
- On Saturday, November 8, 2026, two men at Ohio State's Sigma Alpha Epsilon chapter were burned in what police call participation in a dangerous activity.
- A 911 caller on Sunday, November 9, reported a video that appeared to show pledges being set on fire, allegedly after gasoline was poured on one man.
- Columbus police report the incident caused second- and third-degree burns, and Ohio State has temporarily suspended the SAE chapter pending the investigation.
- The widely shared video shows one man's sweatpants on fire before a second man also catches fire as bystanders, many in school colors, look on and some try to help.
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