A Toyota 4Runner slammed into a power pole Monday morning on N.C. Highway 22, splitting the pole.
The SUV was traveling north toward Carthage when it veered off the right shoulder near the Food Lion shopping center. The driver lost control, and the vehicle struck a utility pole with enough force to split it in two.
Officials closed the northbound lane of the highway while they investigated.
Residents reported power outages in the area that lasted for several hours as crews worked in the rain to repair the pole.
The cause of the crash remains under investigation. Whispering Pines Police have not released any details about what may have led the driver to run off the road.
Authorities say no one was injured in the crash.