26/06/2026 12:28 - Internacionales
A small plane crashed on Friday, June 26, 2026 into the CITIC Tower, also known as China Zun, the tallest skyscraper in Beijing with 109 floors. The incident caused panic, a massive evacuation, and a large emergency response in one of the world's most strictly controlled cities.
For context, Beijing is the capital of China and one of the most populous cities on the planet. The Chinese government maintains extremely tight security measures there, making this incident particularly unusual. China Zun stands at approximately 528 meters (1,732 feet) tall and is an iconic symbol of modern Chinese architecture.
Images shared on social media show fragments falling from great height, the plane's tail visible within the structure, and damage to a taxi near the impact zone. The footage went viral due to the magnitude of the event and the building's prominence in Beijing's skyline.
According to preliminary information, the aircraft registration indicates it was a light sport aircraft domestically manufactured in China, identified as a Sunward SA 60L Aurora. This type of plane is typically used for recreational flying and pilot training.
The Sunward SA 60L Aurora is a two-seat, single-engine aircraft produced by Sunward Aircraft Co., Ltd., a Chinese aerospace company. Unverified flight tracking data suggested the aircraft may have followed an irregular flight path before impact, though authorities have not yet confirmed this information.
The CITIC Tower, popularly known as China Zun, is the tallest building in Beijing. With 109 floors, it dominates the capital's skyline and houses high-level corporate offices.
The name "China Zun" comes from the ancient Chinese ceremonial wine vessel called "zun," whose shape inspired the building's design. Completed in 2018, it represents China's architectural advancement and economic power. The tower is located in Beijing's Central Business District (CBD).
A journalist present at the scene described how emergency teams evacuated the building and organized people in the streets near the main entrance. Dozens of evacuees remained in the area while fire trucks, police patrols, and ambulances arrived to secure the perimeter.
Authorities contacted the possible owner of the plane to obtain more details. Meanwhile, technical teams are working to determine the cause of the accident and evaluate potential structural damage to the skyscraper.
The incident occurred under strict regulatory conditions in Beijing, where since May 1, 2026, strong restrictions on the use of drones and other unauthorized aerial devices within the city have been in effect. China has some of the world's strictest airspace controls, particularly in Beijing, which houses key government buildings and leadership compounds.
How a small aircraft managed to enter this heavily monitored airspace remains one of the key questions authorities are investigating.
Source: Radio Mitre
Alfredo S. Quiroga
