An 86-year-old man was struck and killed by a tractor-trailer after walking onto Interstate 78 in Union County on Thursday morning, officials said.

Welton Johnson was hit just before noon on the eastbound side near milepost 51.7 in Union, State Police said.

Johnson, of Maplewood, was pronounced dead at the scene just east of exit 50.

The truck driver was not hurt.

The crash remains under investigation.

Our journalism needs your support. Please subscribe today to NJ.com .

Jeff Goldman may be reached at jeff_goldman@njadvancemedia.com .

See Full Page