Passengers in the US have been evacuated from a Florida-bound plane at Philadelphia International Airport after an apparent mechanical failure.

Airline officials said US Airways Flight 1702 was heading to Fort Lauderdale, Florida, when the pilot was forced to abort take-off on Thursday after the front landing gear failed.

An airport spokeswoman said no injuries have been reported.

Flights have been halted at the airport.

No further details were immediately available.