A December 2025 fraternity party in north London escalated into a serious incident when isopropyl alcohol was poured onto an open flame, triggering a sudden flare-up.
Emergency responders were called to the Pi Kappa Alpha house on Richmond Street, where six people—five women and one man—were taken to hospital. One woman suffered critical injuries.
Court proceedings revealed that the incident unfolded during a crowded, noisy gathering when the fire intensified unexpectedly after the alcohol was added.
Bryson Donald, 20, admitted guilt to a charge of criminal negligence causing bodily harm. He has been released on bail and is scheduled to be sentenced on June 26.
Update – Bryson Donald has been sentenced to an 18-month conditional sentence, including 15 months of GPS-monitored house arrest. Following the conditional sentence, he will serve 18 months of probation, complete 150 hours of community service, and continue to comply with restrictions on possessing fire-starting materials and contacting those named in the order.