Woman arrested after allegedly setting fire to apartment with children inside

A Columbus woman has been arrested after allegedly setting fire to her apartment while her four children were trapped inside.

Hawa Hassan, 30, was taken into custody on Saturday and charged with felony aggravated arson, alongside misdemeanour counts of assault and domestic violence.

Firefighters responded to the Wedgewood Apartment complex on Eakin Road at approximately 8:15 a.m. following reports of a structure fire.

Upon arrival, crews discovered the blaze had originated in a bedroom. While several occupants were in the building, investigators focused on one unit containing four minor children.

According to a criminal complaint affidavit, a witness encountered the youngsters, who claimed their mother had started the fire with a lighter and reportedly stated she was "going to kill them all."

Fortunately, the children were able to exit the building safely and remained uninjured. Authorities noted that Hassan allegedly admitted to responding officers that she had set the fire on purpose.

The suspect is currently being held at the Franklin County Jail on a $2 million bond. Court records indicate that she and her husband divorced in 2025, and the children have since been placed in the custody of Franklin County Children's Services.

This incident marks a harrowing chapter for the family, as the children begin a transition into state care. Hassan is scheduled to make her first major court appearance on 12 May.

Future proceedings will determine the long-term legal ramifications of the case as the community reacts to the disturbing allegations of domestic violence.