SAN FRANCISCO, October 28, (THEWILL) – Mike Pence, Indiana Governor and Donald Trump’s running mate, was unharmed when the plane he was riding in slid off the runway while landing on a rain-soaked Thursday evening at New York City’s LaGuardia Airport, briefly prompting its closure.
The accident was credited to the turbulent weather as the pilot slammed on the brakes, and passengers reported smelling rubber after the jet came to a halt.
Curiously, bad weather in New York had delayed the aircraft’s takeoff in Iowa.
All passengers and crew safely departed the jet via the back of the plane, but the situation could have been much worse.
Two Port Authority officials revealed that only the airport’s arresting bed of crushed concrete kept the plane from ending up on an adjacent highway.
Pence spoke to first responders after the plane, carrying 37 passengers, arrived from Fort Dodge, Iowa, where he had participated in a campaign event.
The Republican Governor confirmed that he was unharmed and there were no injuries to any passenger including his wife, Karen, and daughter Charlotte who were also on the plane.
“So thankful everyone on our plane is safe. Grateful for our first responders and the concern and prayers of so many. Back on the trailtomorrow!” he tweeted.
Trump in another campaign acknowledged the event saying Pence was in a “big accident with the plane.”
“He was ‘pretty close to grave, grave danger.”
Democratic presidential nominee, Hillary Clinton also acknowledged the incident.
“Glad to hear @mike_pence, his staff, Secret Service, and the crew are all safe,” she tweeted @HillaryClinton
While the incident briefly closed the busy airport completely, one runway was reopened for arrivals and departures after 9 p.m.
Story by Oputah David
