(Update: Fraport, crisis management team)

FRANKFURT (dpa-AFX) - A major scare at Frankfurt Airport: the nose landing gear of a Lufthansa aircraft collapsed in front of the terminal. Lufthansa confirmed that employees were injured, though no passengers were affected.

The incident occurred on Thursday around 12:45 PM. The aircraft, flight number LH450, was scheduled to depart for Los Angeles. The plane is a Boeing 787-9, known as the Dreamliner - a twin-engine long-haul aircraft designed to carry between 200 and 440 passengers.

Crew and ground staff on board

What happened? 'While at a parking position, the aircraft's nose landing gear unexpectedly collapsed,' a company spokesperson explained when asked about the sequence of events. 'At the time of the incident, crew and ground staff were on board. Several employees were injured and are currently receiving medical treatment,' the spokesperson stated.

Passengers had not yet boarded

Fortunately, according to reports, passengers had not yet boarded when the landing gear gave way. Photos and videos show that the jet bridge was already attached to the aircraft. Emergency vehicles were seen stationed next to the damaged plane.

Visuals also indicate significant damage to the aircraft. The nose is tilted forward, with the tail pointing upward. The exact circumstances are being investigated in cooperation with the relevant authorities, the spokesperson said. Technicians and emergency responders are on site, and a crisis management team has been established.

Dreamliner: A recent fleet addition

Lufthansa received its first Boeing 787-9 in 2022. The airline plans to acquire a total of 29 Dreamliners by the end of 2027. In its marketing, Lufthansa promised 'a unique travel experience.' According to airport operator Fraport, the incident has had no major impact on flight operations./sat/DP/he