Ohio State suspends Sigma Alpha Epsilon after video shows students on fire
Ohio State University has suspended the Sigma Alpha Epsilon fraternity after a video circulated online showing two students engulfed in flames during an incident on Saturday, November 7th. According to police records, the incident is being investigated as a possible hazing case. The two students suffered second and third-degree burns and received medical treatment. Video footage shows dozens of onlookers in Ohio State sports attire cheering and laughing as one student's sweatpants caught fire, then charged at another student whose clothing also ignited. A person attempted to use a fire extinguisher without success. The incident was not reported to authorities until late Sunday evening, hours after it occurred. Police are investigating whether any criminal acts occurred, working with Ohio State University police, Columbus police, and the Columbus Division of Fire's Arson Unit. The national headquarters of Sigma Alpha Epsilon stated the organization is cooperating with authorities and is committed to holding those responsible accountable.
Key facts
- Incident occurred Saturday, November 7, 2026, at Sigma Alpha Epsilon fraternity house on Indianola Avenue
- Two students suffered second and third-degree burns
- Video was not reported to police until 9:30 p.m. on Sunday, more than 22 hours after the incident
- George Limperis, president of Ohio State's SAE chapter, identified as offender in police report
- Sigma Alpha Epsilon placed on interim suspension pending full investigation
- Columbus police investigating possible hazing; multiple agencies including arson unit involved
- Video shows dozens of onlookers in Ohio State apparel watching and laughing
How different outlets framed it
Right-leaning coverage: Fox News emphasizes the disturbing nature of the video with descriptions of onlookers cheering as students burned, contextualizing it within broader hazing concerns affecting fraternities nationwide and referencing other hazing deaths and injuries across the country.
Limits of this briefing
The university has not confirmed whether the incident is definitively hazing, only that it is under investigation for possible hazing. Two people involved are listed in police records as victims who recklessly participated, and context regarding their consent or understanding of the incident remains unclear pending investigation.
Sources
- NBC News: Ohio State University investigating fraternity after video appears to show two people on fire Centre
- Fox News: Ohio State suspends fraternity after video captures two people engulfed in flames Right
- WOSU (Ohio Public Radio): Columbus police investigating Ohio State fraternity after alleged hazing incident Centre
- WVXU (Cincinnati Public Radio): Columbus police investigating Ohio State fraternity after alleged hazing incident Centre
- Rolling Out: Ohio State fraternity video: Two men burned, SAE suspended Centre