Small Plane Slams Into Beijing's Tallest Skyscraper, Debris Rains Down

A light aircraft struck the China Zun tower in Beijing's central business district Thursday, scattering wreckage across crowded streets as onlookers fled the scene.

A small plane crashed into the China Zun tower, Beijing's tallest building, on Thursday.
Debris fell into streets below as crowds in the central business district scattered.
Chinese authorities have not yet confirmed casualties or the origin of the aircraft.
Emergency services were deployed to the scene in the Guomao district.
No group has claimed responsibility and the cause of the crash remains under investigation.

A small plane crashed into the China Zun tower in Beijing's central business district Thursday, striking the 528-metre skyscraper and sending debris into the streets below as crowds fled, the Wail confirmed.

The aircraft hit the building — the tallest in the Chinese capital — in the Guomao financial district during daylight hours. Footage circulating online showed smoke rising from the upper floors and rubble on the pavement beneath.

Chinese authorities had not confirmed a casualty figure as of Thursday afternoon. State media acknowledged the incident but provided no immediate detail on the origin or type of aircraft involved.

Emergency services including fire crews and police sealed off surrounding streets. The Guomao district, home to major domestic and international financial institutions, was partially evacuated.

The cause of the crash — whether mechanical failure, pilot error, or other factors — remains unknown. No group has claimed responsibility.

Chinese aviation and public security authorities are expected to issue a formal statement Thursday evening. A full investigation timeline has not been announced.