Owner of car searched by police after Beijing tower plane crash identified

Police identified the owner of a car that was searched following a plane crash into Beijing's Citic Tower on March 1, 2024. The vehicle was located at the airfield from which the aircraft, a light single-engine plane, took off before striking the skyscraper. Authorities are investigating the incident, which caused significant damage to the building but resulted in no fatalities. The pilot of the aircraft, identified as Zhang Jixing, was the sole occupant and died in the crash. Zhang was reportedly a former pilot for China Eastern Airlines. The motive behind the intentional crash remains under investigation, with initial reports suggesting potential personal grievances. The Citic Tower, a prominent landmark in Beijing's central business district, houses numerous corporate offices, including those of Citic Group. The incident prompted a swift response from emergency services and a temporary evacuation of the affected areas. Investigations are ongoing to determine the full circumstances surrounding the event and the owner's connection to the pilot or the aircraft.