Plane Crashes Into Beijing's Tallest Tower in China, Building Evacuated; Investigation Underway

China witnessed a small plane crash on Friday into the CITIC Tower, which is known to be the tallest building in Beijing. The collision triggered a major emergency response, forcing the evacuation of the skyscraper as police, firefighters and medical teams rushed to the scene.

Authorities have not yet confirmed the number of casualties or the condition of the pilot. An investigation is underway to determine what caused the aircraft to veer off its planned route before the crash.

Plane Reportedly Hits CITIC Tower

According to initial reports, the aircraft struck the 109-storey CITIC Tower, popularly known as China Zun, located in Beijing's central business district.

The impact caused visible damage to the building's exterior. Images shared online showed a large hole in the skyscraper, while debris from the aircraft fell onto the streets below.
Emergency services quickly cordoned off the area as officials assessed the damage.

今天下午，一架型号为 B-12PP 的国产轻型通航小飞机，撞到了北京第一高楼 - 中国尊 pic.twitter.com/CobNs6fSBA

— Sea (@Sea_Bitcoin) June 26, 2026

Dramatic Videos Capture the Crash

Several videos circulating on social media captured the moments after the collision.
The footage showed aircraft debris falling from the upper sections of the building, while smoke rose from the ground where wreckage was scattered. One video appeared to show the tail section of the aircraft lying on the road, while another showed a taxi with its window shattered by falling debris.

The videos have not been independently verified by authorities.

突发，6月26日傍晚，北京中信大厦（中国尊）被一架小型飞机撞击，原因不明。 pic.twitter.com/Y2DyUHNxnl

— 李老师不是你老师 (@whyyoutouzhele) June 26, 2026

Building Evacuated After Impact

Following the crash, the entire building was evacuated as a precaution.
People working inside the tower were seen gathering outside the main entrance while emergency personnel secured the area.

Witnesses reported seeing multiple fire engines, police vehicles and ambulances outside the building shortly after the incident.

Authorities also increased security around the skyscraper, preventing people from approaching the site or taking photographs.

北京时间6月26日17:55左右，一架SA60L “阿若拉” 小型飞机撞击了北京的中信大厦（“中国尊”）。
注册号B-12PP，隶属于东时双悦（北京）通用航空有限公司。 pic.twitter.com/A7geB6zfpy

— 建御雷 (@Takemikazuchi26) June 26, 2026

Flight Lost Contact Before Crash

According to available flight information, the aircraft was identified as a B-12PP and was reportedly being flown by a single pilot.

The plane had departed from Shifosi Airport about 30 minutes before the crash and was expected to return to the airport later in the evening.

However, flight tracking data indicated that the aircraft suddenly deviated from its scheduled route before disappearing from radar near Beijing's East Fifth Ring Road.
Attempts to establish communication with the aircraft reportedly failed before the crash.

No Official Word on Casualties

Authorities have not yet released details about the pilot or confirmed whether there were any casualties or injuries inside the building.

Emergency responders continue to search the affected area while investigators examine the crash site.

Officials are expected to provide more information once the initial investigation is completed.

About CITIC Tower

CITIC Tower, widely known as China Zun, is the tallest building in Beijing and one of China's most recognisable skyscrapers.

Located in the Chaoyang District, the tower stands in the heart of the capital's financial district. It is the third-tallest building in China, behind the Shanghai Tower and the Ping An Finance Centre. The skyscraper houses offices, commercial spaces and corporate headquarters, making it one of the busiest business locations in the city.