Panic Erupts After Plane Crashes Into Beijing’s Tallest Building

Reports indicate that a small aircraft crashed into the CITIC Tower, the tallest building in Beijing, on Friday, triggering panic and a massive emergency response in the Chinese capital.

According to information gathered by journalists at the scene, the aircraft appeared to have struck one of the upper levels of the 528-metre skyscraper, leaving visible damage to the building’s windows. The tower is located near the headquarters of China’s state broadcaster, CCTV, in eastern Beijing.

The incident prompted the swift deployment of police officers, firefighters and ambulance personnel as authorities secured the area. Witness-recorded videos showed emergency crews spraying water on small flames near the base of the building, while what appeared to be wreckage from the aircraft was seen lying close to the structure.

Another video circulating on Chinese social media appeared to capture debris falling from the skyscraper shortly after the impact, although its authenticity had not been independently verified at the time of reporting.

Security personnel prevented members of the public from taking photographs at the scene and declined to comment on the incident.

One witness working in the financial district described the crash as baffling, questioning how an aircraft could have entered such a heavily controlled section of Beijing’s airspace.

A woman who was inside the building during the incident said occupants were instructed to evacuate immediately using stairwells instead of elevators, forcing many to descend dozens of floors in haste.

Shortly after the evacuation, dozens of cleaning staff gathered near the police cordon before individuals believed to be members of the building’s management directed them to leave the area.

Another eyewitness expressed shock as she watched emergency operations unfold from across the street, while a student said he rushed to the scene after learning about the crash through an aviation enthusiasts’ online group. He also claimed that photographs and posts related to the incident were being rapidly removed from Chinese social media platforms.

The CITIC Tower, which rises 108 floors above ground with seven basement levels, is one of Beijing’s most prominent landmarks and has the capacity to accommodate approximately 12,000 office workers.

China enforces strict regulations over its airspace, particularly around Beijing, citing national security concerns. Earlier this year, authorities prohibited the sale of drones within the capital and required operators to obtain official approval before conducting flights. In the same period, civil aviation activities were also temporarily restricted over a large section of airspace near Shanghai, according to aviation notices.