Update: Dump Truck Driver, 56, Killed In Route 287 Crash

A 56-year-old local dump truck driver was pronounced dead at the scene of yet another crash on Route 287 in northwest Bergen County, authorities confirmed.

Ron Appel
Photo Credit: *BACKGROUND: John Weinand (FACEBOOK) / INSET: FACEBOOK*

Route 287 South in Oakland
Photo Credit: *John Weinand (FACEBOOK)*

Jerry DeMarco

05/04/2023 10:53 a.m.

The southbound highway was closed in Mahwah after the Mack truck driven by Ron Appel of Riverdale struck a guardrail and landed on its side in Oakland shortly before 8 a.m. Thursday, May 4, New Jersey State Trooper. II Charles Marchan said.

Franklin Lakes police and firefighters and New Jersey State Police were among the responders.

They believe that Appel -- who was widely respected and admired by his peers as an expert driver -- suffered a heart attack.

Heavy-duty wreckers were needed to remove the Appel Trucking of Bloomingdale rig.

Motorists, meanwhile, were being diverted onto Route 208 as traffic backed up for miles.

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