Smoke engulfed a plane moments after it landed when a water tank truck caught fire at an airport in Canada on Sunday afternoon, July 9.

Passengers onboard the Air Canada Boeing 777 had just arrived from Geneva when the ground vehicle's engine erupted in flames while it was positioned under the aircraft at the Pierre Elliott Trudeau Airport in Quebec at around 3:25 pm local time.

Terrified fliers were evacuated from the jet, which appeared to have suffered severe damage to the rear of the fuselage.

Firefighters quickly extinguished the blaze on the tarmac. They said the fire was controlled within half an hour and no injuries were reported.

Airport spokesman Anne Marcotte said the situation 'was brought under control'.

An Air Canada spokesman added: 'The crew responded professionally by ensuring the quick deplanement of remaining passengers from the aircraft, which had landed from Geneva. The aircraft is currently off-line for a maintenance inspection.'

An investigation has been opened into the incident.