A small aircraft crashed into Beijing's iconic CITIC Tower, known as the China Zun, the city's tallest skyscraper at 109 storeys. The plane broke into pieces upon impact, with wreckage plummeting to the ground. Social media footage shows the building largely undamaged, with only two windows smashed. Police evacuated the building before the crash, which occurred around 6pm local time.
Details of the Incident
The aircraft, identified by local outlets as a B-12PP, had its tail section found lying on the road. Smoke rose from smouldering debris on the ground. The pilot was reportedly flying solo, and casualties are not yet confirmed. The cause of the crash remains unknown.
Flight Path Deviation
According to Global.hk, the plane deviated from its flight path after taking off from Shifosi Airport half an hour earlier. It was scheduled to turn back and land at 5:45pm, but flight monitoring lost tracking signal near Beijing's East Fifth Ring Road. The aircraft could not be reached and crashed into the skyscraper moments later.
Ongoing Investigation
Authorities are investigating the incident. The building's structural integrity appears intact, and emergency services are on site. Further updates are expected as the situation develops.
