SLIPPERY ROCK TWP — A young driver had a lucky escape Monday afternoon when his car was struck by a train on Wick Street.

Jarrod E. Hull, 20, of Concord Township managed to get out by himself after his 2011 Hyundai Elantra about 3:10 p.m. was hit and pushed off the tracks just west of Smith Valley Road.

“He has a couple of big bumps on his head,” said Karen Hull, the man's mother. “The doctor said he had a very mild concussion.”

He also suffered burn-type injuries from side and front air bags that deployed on impact.

Karen Hull said she and her family are thankful that was the extent of Hull's injuries. He was treated at the Grove City Medical Center and released.

State police said the accident happened when Hull failed to stop his car at the properly posted stop sign in front of the railroad tracks.

An Illinois Central Railway locomotive slammed into the front driver's side of the car, which was stopped on the tracks.

The collision pushed the car about 40 feet off the tracks. It ended about 20 feet off the south berm of Wick Road, facing north.

Karen Hull said her son was driving to Marion Township where he has been house-sitting for friends. Hull lives with his parents and younger sister.

She noted there are no flashing lights or crossing arm at the tracks.

“He stopped too late (at the sign),” she said of her son, and ended on the tracks. She said he was not trying to beat the train across.

By the time Hull looked to his left, he saw the train bearing down toward him.

“He panicked,” she said, “and it was too late to do anything.”