Pilot Killed, 13 Injured as Small Plane Hits Beijing Skyscraper

A pilot was killed and 13 people were injured when a small aircraft crashed into Beijing's CITIC Tower, the city's tallest building, on Friday evening. The single-engine, two-seat light aircraft struck the 528-meter (1,732-foot) skyscraper at 5:55 pm local time.

Chinese authorities confirmed the pilot was the sole occupant of the plane and died at the scene. The statement, released via WeChat, marked the first official comment on the incident and indicated that authorities were "conducting further investigation into the incident."

“

The only person on board was the pilot, who died, and 13 people were injured at the scene.

Witnesses reported seeing plane debris at the base of the CITIC Tower, and video footage showed smoke billowing from the building. AFP journalists observed a hole in the windows of an upper floor. Fire trucks were seen dousing small flames on the ground near the wreckage.

The CITIC Tower, a prominent landmark in Beijing's Chaoyang District, houses offices for up to 12,000 workers. China maintains strict airspace regulations, particularly around the capital, citing public security concerns.

“

conducting further investigation into the incident