Five people suffered burn injuries—one of them critically—after emergency crews rushed late Tuesday night to a fraternity house near Western University. Responders arrived at the Pi Kappa Alpha residence on Richmond Street around 11:45 p.m. following reports that several individuals were on fire.
Paramedics transported all five injured people to hospital. One person was treated at the scene. Although the incident triggered a structure-fire alert, there were no visible signs of exterior damage or lingering smoke when responders cleared the scene the next day. The property’s front yard was scattered with party debris, but residents declined to speak publicly.
Western University confirmed it is supporting affected students while directing investigative questions to police. London police have taken over the case and were the first to reach the location, finding everyone already outside.
Dispatch recordings indicated early reports of multiple burn victims, though firefighters later determined the flames had originated from burning wrapping paper on a wall. Multiple ambulances were called. Responders identified four individuals with second-degree burns to areas such as hands, legs and one person’s face.
Update – Police reported on December 5 that Bryson James Donald, a 20-year-old from London, surrendered to authorities the previous day. He is facing a charge of criminal negligence causing bodily harm. After being released from custody on Friday, he is set to appear in court again on January 20, 2026.