CRASH KNOCKS OUT POWER TO 18,000; INJURES 5

Five young men received minor or moderate injuries early Friday near

Forestville after their car skidded off the road, overturned and knocked down

a 60,000 volt power pole serving the region.

The crash knocked out power about 1:30 a.m. to 18,000 homes and businesses

along the river and as far north as Annapolis. Most customers had their power

restored by 3:20 a.m., said a spokeswoman for Pacific Gas and Electric Co.

Those injured in the crash included the driver, Michael Burkett, 22, of

Santa Rosa, and passengers, Chris McCoy, 18, of Sebastopol, and Carl Morris,

19; Miguel Valls, 21; and Jim Nelson. A California Highway Patrol spokesman

lacked further information on the ages and addresses of the passengers.

Burkett was driving the 1965 Chevrolet Impala east on River Road. Officers

estimate the car was traveling 75 mph or more when it skidded, left the road

and crashed east of Wohler Road, said California Highway Patrol Officer Wayne

Ziese.

The five injured men were treated at area hospitals and released, Ziese

said.