Ohio State Suspends Sigma Alpha Epsilon After 2 Men Caught on Fire Near Campus

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 · NBC News · Nov 9

Ohio State placed its Sigma Alpha Epsilon chapter on interim suspension after weekend video showed two young men in sweatsuits catching fire on a block near campus.
2 videos appear to show one man with flaming pants tackling another whose pant leg may already have been burning, while bystanders struggled to put out the flames and use a fire extinguisher.
Columbus police said no calls came in Saturday and the department learned of the incident only Sunday through the circulating video; investigators are now working with Ohio State and the fire arson unit to determine whether crimes occurred.
Sigma Alpha Epsilon's national headquarters said it is also investigating and will hold members accountable, as the fraternity faces renewed scrutiny over a history that included 9 deaths between 2006 and 2013 and discipline at more than 100 universities.