FRANKFURT, June 4 - A Boeing 787 jetliner suffered a nose-gear collapse while at a gate at Frankfurt airport on Thursday, injuring several members of airline and ground personnel, Lufthansa said.
According to a company spokesperson, "Passengers had not yet boarded." The airline added that crew members and ground staff were on board the aircraft when the incident occurred. "Several staff members were injured and are currently receiving medical treatment," the statement said.
The event took place at 12:45 p.m. (1045 GMT), Lufthansa said. The aircraft had been scheduled to depart as flight LH450 for Los Angeles. A witness photograph showed multiple emergency vehicles clustered around the two-engine widebody, which was visible as partly resting on its belly.
A Boeing representative confirmed the company was aware of the incident and said Boeing was supporting its customer, but declined to provide further details.
Lufthansa noted it is working with the relevant authorities to determine "the exact circumstances" that led to the collapse. The airline operates the 787-9 variant of the model involved. The carrier described the type as a relatively new addition to its fleet and said it is gradually phasing out less efficient aircraft as part of a fleet simplification strategy.
The airline's comments emphasize that no passengers were aboard at the time, while the presence of both crew and ground staff accounts for those reported injured and receiving treatment. Officials and emergency services were on scene following the 12:45 p.m. event, and initial reports describe the aircraft as partially lying on its belly at the gate.
At this stage, the investigation is ongoing and details remain limited. Boeing's acknowledgement that it is assisting its customer confirms manufacturer involvement in the aftermath, but the company provided no additional information about causes, the condition of the aircraft beyond visible damage, or the severity of injuries.
Contact and next steps
Lufthansa has said it will cooperate with authorities during the investigation. No further operational or scheduling consequences were detailed in the company's statement.