BURNS, Ore. -- An SUV struck a tractor on Highway 20 about 16 miles east of Burns Tuesday night, a violent, fiery crash that trapped the Jeep’s driver and sent him to the hospital, Oregon State Police reported.

Michael Paulsen, 19, of Vale, first was taken by ambulance to Harney District Hospital in Burns and later flown to St. Alphonsus Regional Medical Center in Boise, said OSP Lt. Gregg Hastings. He was listed in fair condition at the hospital Wednesday afternoon, a representative said.

Around 8:45 p.m., a 1999 Jeep Cherokee driven by Paulsen struck a John Deer tractor as both vehicles headed east, Hastings said.

The collision sheared off the tractor’s left-side dual tires, he said.

The tractor’s driver, Dean Nikkel, 24, of Burns, moved it off the road after the crash, while the Jeep came to rest in the eastbound lane caught fire, with Paulsen trapped inside, Hastings said.

Burns and Hines volunteer firefighters put out the flames before they were able to reach Paulsen to free him from the wreckage.

OSP troopers, aided by a crash reconstructionist from Ontario, are “investigating alcohol as a possible contributing factor for Paulsen” in the crash, Hastings said in a news release.

ODOT and Harney EMS also assisted at the crash scene.