Ohio State Suspends Sigma Alpha Epsilon After 2 Men Catch Fire at Chapter Gathering

Q: What caused the mysterious fire that engulfed two young men during a chaotic Ohio State football weekend?

The cause of the fire is still unknown, and investigators have not publicly determined how the men’s clothing ignited. What is clear from the videos is that at least one man’s sweatpants were already burning before he tackled another man, and footage from a second angle suggests the second man’s pant leg may also have been on fire before the contact. That means the tackle appears to have spread or worsened the flames, but it does not explain how the fire started. Ohio State, Columbus police and the Columbus Division of Fire’s Arson Unit are investigating whether the episode was an accident, reckless behavior, or involved possible criminal conduct. No emergency call was made at the time, according to police; authorities only learned of the incident after the video circulated online. The university has placed the Sigma Alpha Epsilon chapter on interim suspension, and the fraternity’s national office says it is conducting its own inquiry. Ohio State has said the people involved were receiving medical care, but officials have not released details on their injuries. So far, there is no verified public evidence that identifies a specific ignition source, such as fireworks, lighter fluid, alcohol, or a hazing stunt. Any claim about the exact cause would be speculation until investigators release findings.

3 articles · Updated · The New York Times · Nov 9

Ohio State said Monday it placed Sigma Alpha Epsilon on interim suspension after two young men caught fire while roughhousing at a Saturday chapter gathering.
A video viewed more than 1 million times shows one man with flaming pants tackling another, whose pants also ignited, before onlookers eventually helped put out the flames.
Columbus police opened an investigation after the university brought the incident to their attention; Ohio State said the two men are receiving medical care.
The episode unfolded the same day as Ohio State’s home football loss to Oregon and drew wider scrutiny because many bystanders appeared to laugh and revel as it happened.