TAIPEI (AP) – On Friday, a small aircraft crashed into Beijing's tallest building, the CITIC Tower, also known as China Zun. The flight tracking service provider Flightradar24 verified the incident after receiving witness accounts and reports of evacuations in the bustling business district of the city.
The aircraft involved was a Sunward SA 60L Aurora, which had taken off from an airport located approximately 50 kilometers (30 miles) east of Beijing. Its flight path indicated that it traveled westward and subsequently crashed just east of the East Third Ring Road shortly before 6 p.m. local time. This incident took place in proximity to a cluster of skyscrapers in the capital's prominent urban area.
The CITIC Tower stands at over 1,700 feet (528 meters) and is renowned for its unique architectural design resembling an ancient Chinese wine vessel. It consists of 108 stories and is one of Beijing's most recognizable landmarks, making it a significant target for high-profile events.
Currently, the cause of the crash remains unknown. Beijing is known for its stringent airspace regulations, and there was a recent ban on drones. Additionally, there’s no immediate information available regarding the pilot or the specific circumstances surrounding the crash. Authorities have not yet issued an official statement, and state media has not reported the event. Posts about the incident have been rapidly removed from Chinese social media platforms, although footage has been shared on overseas platforms, such as X.com.
Social media images and videos appearing to showcase debris from the aircraft near the CITIC Tower surfaced, but the authenticity of these visuals remains unverified. One notable image displayed a partial registration number of "B-12," which corresponds to the aircraft's full registration number, B-12PP.
Photographs taken by The Associated Press indicate that there is a visible hole in one of the glass facades of the CITIC Tower. A witness who works in the building confirmed to AP that an aircraft had crashed into the structure, triggering a fire alarm. This individual requested anonymity due to concerns about potential repercussions, as such incidents are treated with sensitivity by Chinese authorities.
A significant police presence was observed around the building, along with fire engines and ambulances responding to the scene. As onlookers gathered to witness the incident and capture photographs, police intervened, requesting that they cease taking pictures and vacate the area.
In light of recent events, Beijing authorities had previously imposed new restrictions on an already tightly regulated airspace, effectively prohibiting both the sale and use of consumer drones throughout the capital. These regulations highlight the seriousness with which airspace safety is regarded in the region.
