Hanoi train street video renews safety warning

Photo courtesy of Tuoi Tre News

A viral video showing a passing train knocking a phone from a woman's hand on Hanoi's famous train street has prompted a police investigation and renewed attention on the dangers of sitting too close to the railway. Initial checks found no reported injuries.

Phone struck as train passed

The nearly one-minute clip circulated on social media on 10 August. It shows the woman sitting beside the tracks and filming an approaching train before the locomotive strikes her phone and knocks it away. Police said the incident occurred in Van Mieu - Quoc Tu Giam Ward.

Road Traffic Police Team No. 4 sent officers to investigate after learning about the video online. Initial enquiries found no injuries, and none of those involved had reported the incident to authorities. Police and local agencies are continuing to verify what happened.

Railway corridor remains under scrutiny

A traffic police working group also visited the site to document conditions and deal with violations inside the railway safety corridor. Hanoi's train street has become internationally known for photographs and videos of trains passing within a short distance of cafés and visitors sitting beside the line.

Authorities have closed the area several times because of railway safety concerns and have taken action against businesses operating in breach of corridor regulations. The latest footage illustrates how quickly a sightseeing moment can become dangerous when visitors remain close to moving trains.

A train cannot stop or change direction to avoid someone who enters its path, while noise, crowds and attempts to frame a photograph can distract visitors from the limited clearance. Local restrictions may change as police and railway officials respond to conditions on the ground.

What it means for foreigners in Vietnam

Foreign tourists should follow barriers, police directions and café staff instructions, but should not assume that an open business makes every viewing position safe or officially permitted. Stay well clear of the rails, avoid sitting or standing inside the railway corridor and never lean towards a passing train for a photograph. If access is restricted, choose another viewpoint rather than entering through a side lane or following a crowd.

11 August 2026