A serious incident at the Alpha Sigma Phi fraternity house in New Brunswick, New Jersey, has led to public outcry after a 19-year-old student from Matawan suffered significant injuries. The student was reportedly electrocuted during an event on October 14, 2023, raising questions about the safety of the fraternity house and the accountability of those responsible for its condition.
The mother of the injured student has expressed her frustration with public officials who, she claims, failed to act despite knowing the house was unsafe. Speaking anonymously to protect her son’s identity, she stated, “I hope that the fraternity organization and property management company are held responsible for what they’ve allowed to go on.” She pointed to the deteriorating state of the property as evidence of neglect.
History of Safety Violations
According to reports from NJ Advance Media, the Alpha Sigma Phi house has a documented history of building code violations, including issues with exposed electrical boxes and unresolved fire safety concerns. Just weeks before the incident, the New Jersey Department of Community Affairs had rescinded the house’s certificate of inspection, which the mother highlighted as a critical failure of oversight.
“These very serious hazards have persisted, and they continued to fine them and cite them and not at any point … shut it down and say, ‘You can’t charge rent for an unsafe building,’” she said. The mother described her dismay upon discovering vandalism inside the fraternity house, including graffiti reading “RIP ASIG,” during her visit to collect her son’s belongings.
The national fraternity organization has since acknowledged that hazing was involved in the incident. Following an investigation, they announced the closure of the chapter on October 20, 2023, stating that students who participated in hazing would face permanent expulsion. A spokesperson for the fraternity confirmed that the incident was classified as hazing, which led to the decision to shut down the chapter.
Ongoing Investigation
The Middlesex County Prosecutor’s Office is currently conducting an investigation into the events surrounding the injury. They have not yet confirmed the exact circumstances that led to the incident. Rutgers University officials have stated they are “cooperating fully” with the investigation and expressed deep concern regarding the serious nature of the incident involving one of their students.
The injured student is no longer in critical condition, but the fallout from this event has prompted broader discussions about fraternity safety and the responsibility of both university officials and national organizations in ensuring student welfare. The mother’s call for accountability resonates with many who are now questioning the ongoing operations of fraternities that have previously faced safety violations.
As the investigation continues, the fraternity’s future, along with the safety of its members, remains uncertain. The community watches closely, hoping for measures that will prevent similar incidents from occurring in the future.
