Foreign tourist nearly crushed by train on Hanoi's cafe street, viral video sparks outrage

A foreign tourist in Vietnam had a near-death experience that was captured on video and is now going viral, reigniting concerns over the safety of Hanoi's infamous railway cafe street.
The clip, shared by Instagram page @mustsharenews, shows tourists lounging dangerously close to the railway track, which runs through a tight corridor lined with cafes. As a train approaches, the driver sounds the horn multiple times. But just as the fourth coach passes, a man – distracted by his phone – gets his knee hit by the train.
Nearby tourists immediately leap into action, pulling him back just in time. Drinks spill and furniture topples in the panic, but disaster is averted thanks to quick reflexes. The video, now with nearly a million views, has sparked alarm and anger online.
A post shared by MS News (@mustsharenews)
Another praised the bystander's quick actions, saying, 'God bless the dude behind him who yanked him out of the way to save his life. That's some fast survival skills there.'
A third viewer commented, 'There should be a boundary so that no one would get closer.' A fourth Instagram user said, 'I mean, you get this close to the train! This answers my question if accidents like this do happen. It can. It did!'
Despite authorities declaring the area off-limits in September 2022, large crowds still continue to flock to the cafes along the railway tracks, drawn by the thrill and viral appeal of witnessing a train pass within inches of their seats.
Local residents are frustrated too. Doan Quang Hai, from Dong Da District, told VietNamNet, 'After what was captured in this video, I hope authorities act decisively before a real tragedy occurs.'
Another resident, Nguyen Linh from Thanh Xuan District, criticised the continued attraction of such a risky spot for foreign tourists. 'This sends a poor message about Vietnam's traffic safety standards and risks leaving a bad impression on international visitors. It should be shut down,' she told VietNamNet.
Authorities appear to be taking the incident seriously. A representative from the Traffic Police Department under the Ministry of Public Security confirmed to VietNamNet, 'In recent times, the traffic police, in coordination with local authorities, have carried out campaigns to educate, persuade, and take firm action against businesses encroaching on railway safety corridors. Yet some continue to evade enforcement and violate regulations.'
The train cafe zone, which straddles Dien Bien (Ba Dinh District), Cua Nam, and Hang Bong (Hoan Kiem District), has been a popular yet controversial tourist destination for years. In October 2019, the Hanoi People's Committee issued a strict directive to crack down on businesses operating illegally along the tracks.
Confirming the violations, Hoan Kiem District authorities stated that vendors along the railway in Phung Hung 'do not meet rail safety standards.'

Try Our AI Features

Explore what Daily8 AI can do for you:

Learn with AIFact CheckingText to SpeechAI Summary

Related Articles

NDTV

3 hours ago

• NDTV

Ananya Panday Shares Glimpses Of Her Miami Travel Diaries

Another day, another delightful post by Ananya Panday. This time, she is soaking in some Vitamin D under the Miami sun. Yes, the actor has jetted off on a sunny vacation to Florida and has shared postcards from the US state on Instagram. The carousel opens to Ananya Panday enjoying a beverage at a restaurant in a quirky yellow Pikachu mug served with a red and white striped straw. She looks pretty in a ribbed and ruffled strapless white mini dress. Minimal makeup and open brunette tresses complemented her chic avatar. She also posed for a picture with her friend Quinn Pinto. A luxurious cruise was on her list of to-do activities. In one snap, Ananya Panday held a half-eaten piece of bread in her hand as she sailed across the waters. Her OOTD was a white tank top and a pair of linen pants in a similar shade. Crochet elements at the hem catered to the extra dose of edge. A teal bikini with halter neck straps peeked from underneath her top, contributing some contrast. View this post on Instagram A post shared by Ananya ???? (@ananyapanday) For accessories, the Call Me Bae actor picked out silver studs, statement rings, and stacked evil eye-themed bracelets. A messy bun went well with her tropical style statement. Ananya Panday's glamorous selfie had fans gushing. She embraced the tanned glow, dabbing some blush on the cheeks for that rosy radiance. Kohl-rimmed eyes and mascara-adorned lashes added depth to her gaze. Glossy lips suited the coastal aesthetics. Ananya Panday is a big-time foodie and no wonder she indulged in an array of delicacies on her Miami escapade. One photograph showed a plate of freshly baked cinnamon rolls, garnished with cream and swirly chocolate ganache. Next on her gastronomical adventure was a bowl of steamed dumplings, topped with edible gold leaves and served with a dipping sauce. The Miami cityscape, dotted with tall buildings and twinkling lights against the backdrop of the vibrant night sky, made it to the album. Ananya Panday struck a pose against the glass windows, flashing a soft smile. We cannot wait for Ananya Panday to drop more fascinating glimpses of her sojourn.

Time of India

3 hours ago

• Time of India

Kajal Aggarwal is "overflowing with love and gratitude" as she celebrates her birthday in the Maldives

Picture Credit: Instagram Actress Kajal Aggarwal recently marked her birthday on the calming shores of the Maldives. Taking to social media, the actress shared glimpses of her special day with her loved ones as she was overflowing with love and gratitude. On Instagram, she shared multiple pictures from her mini trip. She was joined by her husband Gautam Kitchlu, their son Neil, and her sister Nisha Aggarwal for the vacation. The photos she posted painted a picture of a perfect family holiday. With crystal-clear waters, pristine beaches, and uninterrupted family time, the birthday celebration seemed nothing short of a dream. View this post on Instagram A post shared by ColorsTV (@colorstv) She captioned the pictures, "Overflowing with love and gratitude—thank you, dear friends, fans, and family, for the birthday wishes that lit up my day. Surrounded by my- divine, my loved ones, with a heart full and a belly happier still, I'm soaking in all the joy and warmth you sent my way." The 'Singham' actress looked radiant and carefree in a tropical setting. She was dressed in white breezy beachwear. She shared pictures flashing a cheerful smile or sharing moments with her son Neil. A few pictures captured her walking along the shoreline, while others showed her playing with her little one and relaxing with Gautam. by Taboola by Taboola Sponsored Links Sponsored Links Promoted Links Promoted Links You May Like Giao dịch vàng CFDs với sàn môi giới tin cậy IC Markets Tìm hiểu thêm Undo Actress Raashii Khanna also dropped a sweet comment, writing, "Happy birthday beautiful! God bless you with his choicest blessings." On the professional front, Kajal Aggarwal was last seen leading in the film 'Satyabhama', a cop action thriller. Coming forward, she will be as Devi Parvathi in the Vishnu Manchu starrer mythological pan-India film 'Kannappa'. The movie will be released on June 27. It features a star-studded cast including Prabhas, Akshay Kumar and Mohanlal in brief roles.

Time of India

6 hours ago

• Time of India

Tourist's bargaining skills go viral: Brings down tote bag price from Rs 550 to Rs 50; netizens divided over ethics

Screenshots from viral social media video A foreign tourist in India has gone viral after showcasing his sharp bargaining skills in a street market. The video was originally shared on Instagram by the account @nativety, and shows the tourist negotiating the price of a silk tote bag from Rs 550 down to just Rs 50. In the video, the tourist is first seen buying a packet of chips for Rs 20. Moments later, he spots a nearby street vendor selling silk tote bags and asks for the price. The vendor initially quotes Rs 550. When the tourist asks for an honest price, the vendor revises it to Rs 500. The tourist refuses to buy the bag. When the shopkeeper asks how much he is willing to pay, the tourist does not respond and simply walks away. The shopkeeper tries to stop him and lowers the price to Rs 200, but the tourist still refuses, saying the price is too high. After much negotiation, the vendor finally agrees to sell the bag for Rs 50. View this post on Instagram A post shared by Native Ty (@nativety) It has garnered over 63 million views and 2 million likes. The video has sparked a major online debate over ethics, with many people supporting the street vendor, saying he is simply trying to earn his daily living. One user commented, "I wouldn't call this a scam. I am sure you will buy the same tote in America for a much higher price and then pay a tip on it too." by Taboola by Taboola Sponsored Links Sponsored Links Promoted Links Promoted Links You May Like The Simple Morning Habit for a Flatter Belly After 50! Lulutox Another wrote, "For you, it might be a $1 discount. For them, it's the difference between a meal, school supplies, or part of their rent. If you cannot afford to pay the price of their labour, time and work, then you shouldn't be shopping for a bag."