Rats found on Qantas plane just before takeoff

Rats found on a Qantas plane shortly before takeoff forced the plane to be grounded for more than a day.

The flight crew was doing a final check of the cabin before passengers boarded a Sydney-to-Brisbane flight Tuesday afternoon. They discovered the rats in a compartment holding medical equipment, including a defibrillator.

Passengers were put on another plane while crews checked the aircraft for damage. None was found.

The plane returned to service Thursday morning.

A Qantas spokeswoman called the incident "very unusual." She declined to be named, citing policy.

Qantas, Australia's national carrier, has experienced a series of troubles in recent months, including an engine explosion and forced landings.