Thomas F. Gilbert Jr. was heading south near milepost 140.3 in Kenilworth when he crossed all lanes of travel, causing the van to hit the front left side of the truck around 4 a.m., New Jersey State Police Sgt. Lawrence Peele said.
The van then struck a concrete barrier, and South Plainfield's Gilbert was killed, police said.
Seven pickup passengers and the van driver were treated for unknown injuries.
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