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.

Click here to follow Daily Voice Highland Lakes-Vernon and receive free news updates.