US election 2016: Trump running mate Mike Pence’s plane skids off runway

BBC

Republican vice-presidential candidate Mike Pence has had a narrow escape after his plane slid off the runway while landing in New York City.

The Indiana governor told reporters he was fine after the rough touchdown at LaGuardia Airport. No one was injured.

Mr Pence and the other 30 or so passengers were evacuated through the back of the plane. He was coming from a campaign event in Fort Dodge, Iowa.

LaGuardia Airport has been closed until further notice, said officials.

The pilot slammed on the brakes and passengers on the aircraft could smell burning rubber.

The Pence campaign plane ended up on the grass

Live TV footage showed Mr Pence standing in the rain near the plane among emergency vehicles, talking to police and other officials.

He tweeted: “So thankful everyone on our plane is safe. Grateful for our first responders & the concern & prayers of so many. Back on the trail tomorrow!”

The Pence campaign plane ended up on the grass

He said mud had splashed on the front windows of the cockpit.

Republican presidential nominee Donald Trump called Mr Pence to check on him after the incident, the campaign said.

“Mr Trump did reach out to Gov Pence. He’s glad that everyone on board is safe,” Trump spokeswoman Stephanie Grisham said in an emailed statement.

He was in a motorcade en route to a rally in Geneva, Ohio.

Mr Trump told supporters at his rally about Mr Pence’s plane mishap, saying: “You know, he was in a big accident with a plane.

“The plane skidded off the runway and was pretty close to grave, grave danger, but I just spoke to Mike and he’s fine. He got out. Everybody’s fine.”

TWITTER * Mike Pence posted this picture on Twitter earlier

Mr Pence cancelled a fundraising event that he was to take part in at Trump Tower in Manhattan, and headed to his hotel.

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http://www.bbc.com/news/election-us-2016-37795013