Benjamin Paiste, 18, of Myrtle, was airlifted from the scene.
“We believe he’s going to be OK, but of course we don’t know for sure,” said Union County Sheriff Jimmy Edwards. “It could have been a lot worse.”
At 3 p.m., North Mississippi Medical Center said Paiste is in fair condition.
The collision happened around 7:40 when Paiste was driving south on Graham Avenue.
“He was coming across the tracks,” Edwards said. “I don’t know if the sun was in his eyes and he didn’t see the signal.” The crossing has warning lights but no cross-arm barrier, he added.






