Damage seen at Beijing’s tallest tower after reported small plane crash
The Associated Press said officials had not immediately commented on damage at CITIC Tower, while a Hong Kong newspaper reported a small aircraft hit it.
By Daniel Okafor · Business Editor
2 min read
Beijing’s tallest skyscraper showed visible damage Friday after a Hong Kong newspaper reported that a small aircraft had struck the building. The Associated Press said the cause of the damage had not been confirmed and Chinese authorities had not immediately issued a statement.
The South China Morning Post reported that a small airplane crashed into CITIC Tower, the 528-meter, or 1,732-foot, landmark in Beijing’s Central Business District. The tower is also known as China Zun, according to the AP.
The AP reported that images and videos circulating on social media appeared to show debris from a small aircraft near the skyscraper. The news agency said the material matched the location, but its authenticity could not be independently verified.
Those images and videos were removed from the internet soon after they appeared, according to the AP. Photos showed what looked like a hole or broken glass on one side of the tower, the agency reported.
Emergency services were seen outside the building, according to the AP. The agency reported a heavy police presence at the site, along with fire engines and ambulances.
Officials had not confirmed a cause
As of the AP report Friday, authorities had not said what caused the damage. The agency also reported that officials had not confirmed whether an aircraft hit the building.
No official statement on injuries, evacuations or the condition of any aircraft was reported by the AP. The account from the South China Morning Post was the only cited report identifying the incident as a crash involving a small airplane.
CITIC Tower is one of the most recognizable buildings in Beijing’s business district. Its height makes it the city’s tallest building, according to the AP.
The AP photograph from the scene showed a passerby trying to take a picture of damage on the tower. The photo was credited to AP photographer Ng Han Guan.
The available reports left several basic details unresolved, including how the damage occurred and whether anyone was hurt. The AP said the incident’s cause was unclear while authorities had yet to provide an account.
This story draws on original reporting from NPR.