China Southern Airlines accident

A China Southern Airlines jet slid off the runway in wet weather in Shantou, Guangdong yesterday morning, forcing closure of the airport, aviation officials said.

There were no casualties when the Boeing 737 bound for Hong Kong skidded off the runway while trying to take off, but the runway itself was damaged, an official said. He said the airport had been closed and was to remain closed until early this morning.

Initial investigations revealed little damage to the aircraft, he said.

About 200 passengers remained stranded at Shantou airport, 300 km northeast of Hong Kong.