Etihad plane packed with 300 on board fear jet fire after landing gear emergency

An Etihad plane with nearly 300 passengers on board sparked fears it would be catch fire after take off was dramatically halted.

Emergency services rushed to the stricken jet as fire crews sprayed foam on the landing gear fearing they could overheat and blow.

Etihad said pilots took the drastic action in Melbourne, Australia, when they decided to "halt the take-off for technical reasons".

The terrifying scenes occurred as the plane was getting ready to depart from Melbourne, Australia, on Sunday night (UK morning), the Etihad Airways flight EY461 was bound for Abu Dhabi before the chaos ensued.

Those waiting in the terminal managed to catch the drama on camera, which shows the plane on the tarmac surrounded by fire engines.

It is believed that there have been no reports of injuries as of yet. One frightened passenger told Australian news channel 3AW that the pilot "had to slam on the emergency brakes" during take off. Airport offiicials were force to close off the runway.

All 289 passengers were safely evacuated from the damaged vessel and have reportedly returned to the terminal.

"Etihad Airways flight EY461 rejected take off this evening when departing Melbourne Airport,' an airport spokeswoman told Daily Mail Australia.

"The Aviation Rescue and Firefighting Service responded to a request from the aircraft and deployed fire fighting foam as a precaution.

"Due to damage to the aircraft’s tyres, we have been unable to tow it off the runway. Repairs are currently underway. We continue to have one runway available for operations which will be used for all arrivals and departures."

Etihad spokesman said: "Etihad Airways flight EY461 from Melbourne (MEL) to Abu Dhabi (AUH) experienced a rejected take-off on 05 January 2025. The flight crew decided to halt the take-off for technical reasons, the aircraft was safely brought to a stop on the runway and emergency services attended as a precaution.

"Guests have been disembarked safely and our teams are working to enable them to continue their onward journeys as quickly as possible.

"Etihad Airways sincerely regrets any inconvenience caused. The safety and comfort of our guests and crew remain our highest priority.

"The fire service applied foam to the tyres on the aircraft’s landing gear, which is a routine precaution following a high-speed rejected take-off."