On Friday, an astonishing scene unfolded in Beijing as a small aircraft tragically collided with the city’s tallest skyscraper, the 108-story CITIC Tower. The incident led to a swift and substantial response from emergency services, with police, fire, and EMS teams descending upon the site to manage the situation. This event prompted an immediate reaction from Chinese authorities, who moved to restrict the dissemination of information, according to The Associated Press.
Images and videos circulating on social media depict the dramatic moment when the plane smashed into the CITIC Tower, leaving a gaping hole in its structure before plummeting to the ground. The skyscraper, an iconic symbol of Beijing’s business district, quickly became the focal point of both local and international attention.
First responders worked diligently at the scene, enforcing strict measures to keep bystanders at bay and prevent the area from becoming overcrowded. Witnesses who had gathered nearby were asked to refrain from capturing the chaotic aftermath on their phones, as officials sought to maintain order and safety.
One of the onlookers managed to capture footage from a nearby building, revealing the grim scene: fire trucks battling the smoke with streams of water while the remains of the plane lay scattered at the tower’s base. The video, along with reports of building debris, led to crowds gathering around the towering structure in disbelief. This eyewitness account highlighted the immediate impact of the crash on June 26, 2026. (Adek Berry/AFP via Getty Images)
Inside the CITIC Tower, individuals reported that the violent impact of the crash triggered the building’s fire alarms. Employees and visitors alike were left scrambling for safety, further emphasizing the gravity of the incident in one of Beijing’s most prominent areas.
Flight tracking data from Flightradar24 indicated the aircraft was a Sunward SA 60L Aurora, which took off about 30 miles east of the city and crashed shortly before 6 p.m. local time.
ADS-B data for the flight only includes a partial flight path and stops prior to the crash, according to air traffic data.
A hole is seen (R) on the side of the CITIC Tower in Beijing on June 26, 2026, after a reported plane crash. (Peter Catterall/AFP via Getty Images)
The AP reported that photos and videos of the incident escaped the country’s “great firewall” and were circulated on social media platform X, though Chinese censors have removed content about the crash from the country’s restricted internet.
No information has been released by government officials or state-run media, as of Friday afternoon.
Police personnel block the road near the CITIC Tower in Beijing on June 26, 2026. (Adek Berry/AFP via Getty Images)
The cause of the crash, identity of the pilot, and the number of casualties remain unclear.
The White House did not immediately respond to News Media’s request for comment.
This is a developing story. Please check back for updates.