A terrifying scene unfolded at an Ohio apartment complex after a mother was accused of setting a fire while her own children were inside.
Authorities say 30-year-old Hawa Hassan was arrested on May 2 and is now facing serious charges, including felony aggravated arson, along with misdemeanor assault and domestic violence.
Firefighters rushed to the Wedgewood Apartments in Columbus around 8:15 a.m. after reports of a blaze. When crews arrived, they found multiple people inside the building — including four young children trapped in one unit.
Investigators quickly determined the fire had been intentionally set, with the flames starting in a bedroom.
According to court documents, a witness told police that the children said their mother used a lighter to start the fire and allegedly told them she was “going to kill them all.”
Despite the horrifying situation, all four children managed to escape safely and were not injured.
Authorities say Hassan later admitted to starting the fire when speaking with officers at the scene.
The children have since been placed in the custody of local child services as the case moves forward.
Hassan is currently being held on a $2 million bond and is scheduled to appear in court on May 12. It’s not yet clear if she has legal representation.