An early morning crash in Poway Thursday claimed the life of a young man and injured four teenagers, one of them critically, authorities said.

The dead man was 20 years old and the other victims included two males and two females ranging in age from 16 to 19 years old, said sheriff''s Sgt. Bill Giltner.

The dead man was identified as Charles Elias Amaro II of Rancho Bernardo, who was a passenger in the SUV, an investigator with the Medical Examiner''s office said. Today was Amaro''s 20th birthday.

A 1999 Ford Explorer was traveling south on Valle Verde Road about 2:30 a.m. when the driver lost control on a curve past Vinter Way. The SUV rolled over several times and ended up on its roof near Edina Way, Giltner said. At least four of the occupants were not wearing seat belts and were thrown from the vehicle.

It appears speed and alcohol were factors in the accident, Giltner said. When deputies arrived they smelled alcohol in and about the SUV and the victims, Giltner said. No other vehicles were involved, he said.

Deputies have not yet determined who was driving the SUV, and it is too soon to determine if any charges will be filed, Giltner said.

Two of the crash victims suffered minor injuries including scrapes and bruises and a third suffered broken bones. The fourth victim suffered several facial fractures and is listed in critical condition, Giltner said.

Valle Verde Road was shut down between St. Andrews Drive and Vinter Way until about 9 a.m. as authorities investigated the crash.