Plane crashes into Beijing's tallest skyscraper days before Party anniversary

An unauthorized light aircraft crashed into Beijing's Citic Tower on June 26, just five days before the 105th anniversary of the founding of the Communist Party of China. The incident occurred shortly after business hours, as employees were leaving the Central Business District.

Eyewitnesses reported seeing smoke and debris falling from the impact site on the skyscraper, one of the tallest in the world. Social media platforms were quickly flooded with videos and images of the crash, but these were swiftly removed due to immediate censorship by Chinese authorities. Content related to the Citic Tower itself was also affected.

Speculation arose online about the pilot's identity, with some suggesting it was a flight enthusiast named Liu Junhua, whose car was reportedly searched at a Beijing airport. However, Citic Group, the state-owned operator of the tower, presented Liu Junhua in a video to suggest she was not involved. Such incidents, like drivers crashing vehicles into crowds, have occurred in China previously.

The Chaoyang district authorities confirmed the crash the following day, stating a "single-engine, two-seater light sports aircraft" collided with the building. The pilot died, and 13 people were injured. Investigations are ongoing to determine if the crash was an accident or an attack. State media, including the official Xinhua news agency, have not reported on the incident, highlighting the government's tight control over information.

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On June 26 at 5:55 p.m., a single-engine, two-seater light sports aircraft collided with a high-rise building.