Investigations are underway to ascertain the causes of the accident
Chinese authorities have confirmed the death of the pilot of the small plane that crashed yesterday into the Citic Tower (China Zun), the tallest skyscraper in Beijing. This was reported by the South China Morning Post, citing a statement released by the Municipal Emergency Management Office.
According to the reconstruction, the aircraft, which took off from Shifosi airport, in the eastern outskirts of the capital, hit the facade of the building around 6.00 pm local time, then crashing to the ground. The pilot, the only occupant on board, died on impact, while thirteen injured people were treated and discharged.
The authorities specified that the aircraft was engaged in a training flight and that investigations are underway to ascertain the causes of the accident. The municipal government has ruled out the involvement of other aircraft.
The crash had caused a large deployment of police and emergency vehicles in Beijing’s Central Business District.
In the hours immediately following the accident, no official information was released, while images and videos circulating on social media were quickly removed. The confirmation of the death toll and injuries represents the first detailed account released by the Chinese authorities on the incident.
