Refer China: Man in Horror Mask on Highway Identified as Foreign Teacher

Police Respond

Man in Horror Mask on Highway Identified as Foreign Teacher; Police Respond

In a bizarre traffic incident that stirred concern across social media, Hangzhou highway police have identified the man seen wearing a horror mask on the G25 Changshen Expressway as a 42-year-old foreign teacher named Hugo, employed at a school in Xiaoshan District.

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According to the official police statement released early this morning, the event occurred on August 24 at approximately 4:57 PM. Hugo was a passenger in a friend's car returning to Hangzhou. While searching for snacks in his bag near the Fuyang Longmen interchange, he found a horror mask — purchased online in November 2024 — and playfully put it on. This unusual sight alarmed nearby motorists, one of whom captured the moment on video.

The two vehicles were briefly driving side by side for about 9 seconds, with no verbal exchanges or other confrontations observed. By 5:27 PM, the vehicle carrying Hugo exited at the Hangzhou South toll station, and no one was wearing a mask at that time.

Although the incident did not result in any accidents, authorities emphasized its potential risk to traffic safety. Hugo was located swiftly by the police and received educational counseling. He expressed sincere regret, apologized to the individuals involved, and issued a public apology to online viewers for the disturbance.

Police reiterated the importance of safe and civil behavior on highways and encouraged drivers to stay calm and contact authorities via 12122 in the event of similar occurrences.

Earlier social media posts had sparked heated discussion, with many speculating that the masked individual intentionally aimed to scare others. However, follow-up reports, including from Chengshi Interactive, revealed that the mask was part of a festive costume and not worn with malicious intent. The video-shooting vehicle had reportedly slowed down upon noticing the mask, prompting Hugo to lower his window in reaction to being filmed — not to intimidate.

Source: 上观新闻, 杭州市公安局高速公路交通警察支队