Pilot dies after small plane crashes into Beijing high-rise

There were signs of damage on the tower (AP)

A pilot has died and 13 other people were injured after a small plane crashed into the tallest high-rise building in Beijing, Chinese authorities said.

A two-seat light sport aircraft collided with the CITIC Tower in the Chaoyang district, a vibrant business area, at 5.55pm (10.55am BST) on Friday.

Global flight tracking service provider Flightradar24 said on Friday that a plane crashed into the tower, also known as China Zun, which rises more than 1,700ft just east of a major ring road among a cluster of skyscrapers.

The pilot died in the incident (AP)

The 108-storey tower, shaped like an ancient Chinese wine vessel, is one of the most recognisable skyscrapers in Beijing and is the tallest building in the city.

It was not immediately known what caused the crash in a city with strict airspace controls, including a recent ban on drones. An investigation is under way into the situation.