Foreign tourist taking photos on Hanoi's Train Street has brush with death

Hanoi authorities are investigating after a viral video showed a foreign tourist narrowly escaping serious injury while filming a train on the popular Train Street in the old quarter.

The male tourist is seen using his phone to record a passing train when he is struck on the leg and knocked over.

A bystander quickly pulls him to safety.

A table is also knocked over and it rolls onto the tracks, causing panic among onlookers.

A video shows a foreign man being struck on the leg and knocked over on Hanoi's Train Street while filming with his phone. Video by Facebook/Nghia Nguyen

Following the incident, on June 14 authorities in Hang Bong Ward ordered increased surveillance at entry and exit points in the area.

A ward's representative said on Monday that the incident happened in late 2024 and the foreign tourist suffered minor injuries.

Train Street, famous for a railroad track being in close proximity to cafes and residences, was made off-limits in September 2022 due to safety concerns.

But barricades and security checkpoints along Tran Phu and Phung Hung streets have not stopped large crowds, particularly on weekends, visiting the cafes along the tracks that remain open.