What is going on with all of the car accidents involving touring indie bands? Apparently something has happened to Calvin Johnson's DUB NARCOTIC SOUND SYSTEM. The following statement is from K Records:

Dear Friends,
Dub Narcotic Sound System was involved in a single car accident in the early morning of Oct. 15. Calvin, Heather and Chris are all OKAY, but Chris and Calvin's injuries required hospitalization. All of us at K appreciate your concern for the band's health and outlook. We will keep you updated on this site. It is already anticpated that there will be some major hospital bills to pay. We are researching all the insurance/aid options, but if you would like to help we have set up the "Dub Narcotic Sound System Medical Fund." Please make checks/money orders payable to the Dub Narcotic Sound System and send them to Box 7154 Oympia, WA 98507 or click here to make a credit card contribution. Thank you.

OLYMPIA-BASED BAND INJURED IN MONTANA AUTO ACCIDENT

BY ROSS RAIHALA, THE OLYMPIAN

Calvin Johnson, head of Olympia's K Records, broke three ribs in a van accident early Wednesday in Montana. He was touring with his band Dub Narcotic Sound System.

The accident took place about 6 a.m. near Glendive. Bass player Chris Sutton was behind the wheel when he swerved to avoid a deer, K Records publicist Amber Bua said. Johnson and drummer Heather Dunn were thrown from the vehicle in the ensuing accident.

Sutton broke his jaw and lost several teeth and was airlifted to a hospital in Billings, Mont. Johnson broke three ribs and suffered a concussion. He and Dunn went by ambulance to the hospital.

"Heather is fine," Bua said. "But we're still not sure exactly what happened. Heather was sleeping during the accident. Calvin's pretty confused and Chris can't talk because he broke his jaw."

The trio was on its way to Fargo, N.D., where the group was scheduled to perform Thursday night. Fellow Olympia group Old Time Relijun was touring with Dub Narcotic Sound System -- although was not traveling in the same van -- and spent the night visiting the band in the hospital.

Dub Narcotic Sound System's next week of shows have been canceled, Bua said, and it's possible the entire tour will be called off.

Dunn was expected to fly back to Olympia Thursday. Sutton was scheduled to spend Thursday night in the hospital, with Johnson expected to spend several more nights there.

"We're all worried here and we're still trying to sort out the details," Bua said.

The band does not have health insurance and also lost much of its equipment in the accident. K Records has set up a fund to help defray some of the expected bills. Details can be found at www.krecs.com or by calling 360-786-1594.

Thanks to Ross Raihala for the update.