Aircraft Collides with China Zun Skyscraper in Beijing
A plane has collided with the China Zun, Beijing’s tallest building, located in the heart of the city’s central business district. The incident occurred around 5:30 PM on June 26th.
Details of the Collision
Images circulating on social media platforms show an aircraft impacting the upper floors of the skyscraper, causing damage to its glass exterior. Fragments of the plane were seen falling to the street below. Photos also depict a taxi on the adjacent road with its rear window shattered, and a detached section of the aircraft bearing the marking ‘B-12’ lying on the ground.
Emergency Response and Building Information
Following the collision, Chinese authorities immediately cordoned off the surrounding roads and dispersed onlookers. Emergency measures were enacted for the China Zun and nearby buildings, with police, fire services, and ambulances dispatched to the scene. Some aircraft debris reportedly ignited a fire on the building’s canopy.
The China Zun, completed in 2018, stands at a height of 528 meters with 108 floors above ground. It serves as the headquarters for CITIC Group, a major Chinese financial and investment conglomerate, and is a prominent landmark in Beijing’s CBD.
Aircraft Identification and Investigation
Preliminary information from social media suggests the aircraft involved was a two-seater, single-engine reconnaissance plane manufactured by the Chinese company Star-Air, identified as a ‘Sunward SA60L Aurora’ with the registration number B-12PP. The aircraft was reportedly operated by Dongsheng Aviation, a company involved in aviation tourism, flight performances, and pilot training, based at Beijing Pinggu Sports Airport.
The number of occupants on board the aircraft and any potential casualties have not yet been confirmed. Flight tracking data indicates the plane deviated significantly from its planned flight path. Official statements regarding the cause of the accident or the extent of any damage or injuries are still pending from Chinese authorities.
Given Beijing’s stringent air traffic control regulations, the presence and entry of a civilian aircraft into the city’s airspace for such an incident is considered highly unusual.
