Ohio University suspends fraternity after two students catch fire

Ohio State University in the United States has temporarily suspended the Sigma Alpha Epsilon fraternity after viral footage emerged showing two young men catching fire during a chaotic and violent scene. The incident took place on Saturday at the main campus in Columbus, and police and university authorities have launched investigations.

In the recording shared online, which has been viewed more than one million times, the two young men can be seen with their sweatpants engulfed in flames, while laughter and panicked screams are heard around them. The university described the situation as “extremely concerning” and decided to suspend the fraternity’s activities at least for the duration of the internal investigation.

Ben Johnson, a spokesperson for the institution, said the people involved were receiving the necessary care, without saying whether the incident was part of an initiation ritual. Columbus police are also investigating the case.

The incident has brought renewed attention to controversies surrounding American college fraternities, which are frequently accused of humiliating rituals and promoting a culture of silence. Sigma Alpha Epsilon says it has been developing leaders since 1856. The case comes amid public outrage over revelations concerning the alleged gang rape of a female student at Cornell University in 2024.