FRANKLIN LAKES, Bergen County, N.J., Oct. 29, 2026 — A driver was hospitalized and two Franklin Lakes police officers were hurt early Tuesday, October 27, after a vehicle struck a parked patrol car and flipped over on Route 208 North. The crash happened while officers were still working an earlier deer-related collision at the same site.
Officers were investigating that first crash when a second vehicle hit an unoccupied Franklin Lakes police car stationed at the scene, according to police. The impact caused the second vehicle to roll over, authorities said.
Police at the scene pulled the driver from the overturned vehicle and sent that person to a nearby hospital. The driver's injuries were not disclosed. The two officers who helped free the driver suffered minor injuries during the extrication, according to the report.
The northbound side of Route 208 was shut down for several hours while crews worked the scene, with traffic rerouted onto Summit Avenue. Wyckoff Police Department officers, local EMS crews and a Department of Transportation crew assisted at the site alongside Franklin Lakes police.
The crash remains under investigation.
We wish the injured a complete and speedy recovery.
More on Crashes in Franklin Lakes, NJ
This crash happened on Route 208 in Franklin Lakes, NJ. We cover crashes across Bergen County as they're reported, and you can browse the latest in our Bergen County accident reports.
Frequently Asked Questions
Does speed make a crash worse?
Yes. Higher speed means more force at impact and less time for a driver to react or stop, which tends to increase the severity of injuries and vehicle damage.
Why is distracted driving a particular risk near a crash scene?
Drivers approaching an active crash scene need to process flashing lights, parked vehicles and workers on foot all at once. Any glance away from the road, even briefly, can mean missing a stopped car or an officer in the lane.
How do weather and road conditions play into crashes like this?
Darkness, wet pavement or reduced visibility can all make it harder for a driver to spot a parked vehicle or emergency scene in time to slow down safely.
What should someone do right after a car accident?
Check for injuries, move to a safe spot if possible, call 911, and exchange information with anyone involved. Even if injuries seem minor, getting checked by a medical provider afterward is a good idea since some injuries take time to appear.
What to Do After a Car Accident in Franklin Lakes, NJ
If you're involved in a crash in Franklin Lakes, start by making sure everyone is safe and calling for emergency help if anyone is hurt. Stay as far from moving traffic as conditions allow, especially on a highway, and watch for other vehicles approaching the scene. Once things are stable, get a medical evaluation even if you feel fine, since adrenaline can mask pain or injury. Keep a record of what responders tell you, take photos if it's safe to do so, and follow up with your own doctor in the days afterward if anything feels off.
