Statement by Hangzhou traffic police Photo: Hangzhou traffic police's official WeChat account

In response to the incident circulating online that "a person wears terror mask to frighten passing by vehicles on highway," police in Hangzhou, East China's Zhejiang Province identified the person involved as Hugo, 42, a foreign teacher at a local school, Hangzhou highway traffic policy revealed early on Wednesday. 

Hugo was returning to Hangzhou on a friend's car on August 24 on highway G25. At 16:57, when looking for snacks in his carry-on bag, Hugo found the terror mask he bought in November 2024 and put it on. He was seen by people on another vehicle traveling in the same direction, who filmed him by mobile phone. The two vehicles drove side by side for about nine seconds, and no conversation or other abnormal situations were found. Hugo's car left the highway at 17:27, and none of the passengers were wearing the mask at that time.

Hugo wears a terror mask in a car driving on highway on August 24, 2025. Photo: screenshot of online video

Although this act did not result in any consequences, considering that it might have affected driving safety, the public security organs promptly identified the involved person, criticized and educated him. Hugo expressed remorse, apologized to the people affected, and also apologized to the netizens for attention caused by this incident.

The traffic police reminded drivers and passengers to avoid dangerous behaviors, maintain calm if encounter a similar situation and after ensuring safety, dial 12122 to report to the police. 

Global Times