BEIJING, China — A small aircraft appeared to strike the CITIC Tower, Beijing’s tallest skyscraper, on Friday afternoon, sending debris falling from the 109-story building and prompting an emergency response in one of the world’s most heavily secured cities.
Videos circulating online showed what appeared to be parts of the aircraft falling from the tower, also known as China Zun, along with debris scattered near the building. Images also showed a damaged window of a taxi and a section of the aircraft’s tail on the ground.
Witnesses reported that people inside the skyscraper were evacuated and gathered outside near the entrance as emergency vehicles, including firetrucks, police vehicles, and an ambulance, arrived at the scene.
Authorities had not immediately released details about the incident, including whether there were injuries, the cause of the crash, or the condition of those aboard the aircraft. Media organizations, including CNN, reported that government agencies contacted for comment had not provided an immediate response.
Online images of the aircraft’s registration markings appeared to indicate that the plane was a Sunward SA 60L Aurora, a light sport aircraft manufactured in China. The aircraft was reportedly linked to a local general aviation company that provides services including pilot training, recreational flights, and aerial photography.
Unverified flight tracking data shared online by Flightradar24 appeared to show the aircraft deviating significantly from its expected flight path after departing from Beijing’s Shifosi Airport. The data has not been independently confirmed by aviation authorities.
The incident occurred in central Beijing, where security restrictions on low-altitude flights are among the strictest in China. Since May 1, authorities have imposed tighter rules on drone operations across the capital, requiring government approval for the purchase, rental, or operation of drones within Beijing’s administrative area.
The CITIC Tower, completed in 2018, stands at 528 meters and is the tallest building in Beijing. The skyscraper is located in the city’s central business district and is one of the capital’s most recognizable landmarks.
Authorities are expected to conduct an investigation to determine how the aircraft reached the area and whether aviation regulations were violated.
Si Venus L Peñaflor ay naging editor-in-chief ng Newsworld, isang lokal na pahayagan ng Laguna. Publisher din siya ng Daystar Gazette at Tutubi News Magazine. Siya ay isa ring pintor at doll face designer ng Ninay Dolls, ang unang Manikang Pilipino. Kasali siya sa DesignCrowd sa rank na #305 sa 640,000 graphic designers sa buong daigdig. Kasama din siya sa unang Local TV Broadcast sa Laguna na Beyond Manila. Aktibong kasapi siya ng San Pablo Jaycees Senate bilang isang JCI Senator.
- Venus L Peñaflor
- Venus L Peñaflor
- Venus L Peñaflor
- Venus L Peñaflor
