Small plane crashes into Beijing's 108-story CITIC Tower, causing chaos

A small aircraft crashed into Beijing's CITIC Tower, a 528-meter-tall skyscraper, on Tuesday, sending debris falling and plumes of smoke billowing from the building. The incident occurred at the CITIC Tower, the tallest building in Beijing, known for its distinctive design resembling an ancient wine vessel.

Video footage shared online showed parts of the building's exterior damaged, with debris falling and black smoke and flames erupting near the ground floor entrance. Occupants of the tower were reportedly evacuated, and a large contingent of police, firefighters, and paramedics were dispatched to the scene. Witnesses described hearing a loud explosion, with one remarking it was louder than fireworks.

“

The explosion sound was so loud. It was louder than fireworks.

The circumstances surrounding the crash remain unclear, with authorities investigating whether it was intentional or accidental. Beijing's airspace is heavily restricted, and the city recently implemented new regulations effectively banning private drone sales and operations. A witness told Reuters that it was "very strange" for an aircraft to fly into the area.

Chinese authorities have not yet released an official statement regarding the incident, and state media has not reported on it. Videos of the crash have been censored or restricted on Chinese social media platforms, although they have circulated on international sites like X. Information about the pilot and any potential ground casualties has not been confirmed.

“

It is very strange for an airplane to fly into this area.