BEIJING — A small aircraft crashed into CITIC Tower, Beijing’s tallest skyscraper, on Friday, causing visible damage and prompting police to close off roads around the building in the city’s central business district, witnesses and media reports said.
The incident occurred around 6 p.m. local time when the aircraft, identified by multiple outlets as a Sunward SA 60L Aurora light sport plane with registration B-12PP, struck the 108- or 109-story tower, also known as China Zun. Videos circulating on social media showed debris, including what appeared to be parts of the aircraft, falling from upper floors onto the street below, with broken glass visible on the building’s exterior.
A courier who spoke to Reuters said he rushed to the scene after hearing a loud crash. “It was like a car hitting the building,” he told the news agency.
Police sealed off surrounding roads and restricted filming in the area, while the skyscraper was evacuated. Fire engines and ambulances were present at the scene. Authorities have not released an official statement on the cause of the crash or any casualties.
The CITIC Tower, standing at 528 meters (1,732 feet) and headquarters of the state-owned Citic Group, is the tallest building in Beijing. It is located in the city’s central business district.
The aircraft, a domestically produced Chinese light-sport plane often used for pilot training, reportedly deviated from its planned flight path while returning toward Shifosi Airport, according to preliminary information cited by media. Details about the number of people on board remained unclear late Friday, though some reports indicated it was likely a solo flight with only the pilot.
No official confirmation was available on injuries to the pilot or anyone inside the building. Some unverified witness accounts mentioned a person with a head injury being taken away by ambulance and possible minor fires from debris, but these could not be independently confirmed.
Chinese authorities have not commented on the incident, and social media discussions about the event appeared subject to restrictions within China.
The crash comes amid heavy security presence in the capital. Emergency services responded quickly, but the full extent of damage to the skyscraper and surrounding area was not immediately clear. Officials have yet to provide details on the aircraft’s ownership or flight history.
As of late Friday, the area remained cordoned off and investigations were ongoing. Further information on casualties or the precise cause is expected as authorities review flight data and other evidence.
