WASHINGTON (REUTERS) - A tire blew out on a US Airways plane with 154 passengers and crew on board as it was about to take off at Philadelphia International Airport on Thursday, prompting the pilot to abort the takeoff, an airline spokesman said.

There were no reports of serious injuries following the early evening incident, in which the front nose gear of the plane also collapsed, although one person requested medical assistance, said US Airways spokesman William McGlashen.

The plane was an Airbus A320, airport spokeswoman Victoria Lupica said.

"Initial reports indicate Flight 1702 from Philadelphia to Fort Lauderdale (Florida) blew a tyre on takeoff and the pilot elected to abort takeoff," McGlashen said.

The plane's crew evacuated the passengers after the incident which took place at about 6.05 pm (2205 GMT) local time, and Lupica said the mishap halted operations at the Philadelphia airport for a time.

Takeoffs and landings have since resumed and no incoming flights had to be diverted away, she said.

US Airways is owned by American Airlines Group.