GRAPHIC images showing the extent of the damage to a Qantas jet after a mid-air explosion tore a hole in its fuselage are being circulated on the internet.

The email, which has been doing the rounds of in-boxes in recent days, is titled "Qantas accident - the photos we didn`t see".   

It contains previously unseen pictures of damage to the Qantas jumbo, including graphic images of the chaos inside the cabin.  

Qantas damage in pictures  

They also show oxygen masks hanging from the ceiling and overhead panels that fell out.   

It is believed the images were taken by Qantas as part of its investigations into the July 26 incident and later leaked by a staffer.   

Qantas staff are aware of the email.   

The Qantas Boeing 747 was flying from Hong Kong to Melbourne when an explosive bang led to a sudden loss of air pressure in the cabin.   

The plane, which had originated in London, and was carrying 365 passengers and crew, plunged 6000m before stabilising then made an emergency landing in the Philippines capital Manila.   

There, stunned passengers saw a 3m hole in the fuselage adjoining the right wing.

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