ASHEVILLE, N.C. (828newsNOW) — Nearly 1,000 Duke Energy customers in the Leicester area were without power Monday afternoon after a vehicle damaged utility equipment, according to the company.

Duke Energy reported 976 customers without power as of Monday afternoon. The outage was listed in the Leicester area, with an estimated restoration time of 5:15 p.m.

A photo posted to the Leicester, NC…We Call It Home Facebook page appeared to show a utility pole down along Old County Home Road near the end of Ben Lippen Road. Power lines were visible across the roadway, and utility crews and vehicles were at the scene.

The Facebook post said the incident appeared to have affected areas around Old County Home Road and Leicester Highway, as well as Elaida Home and Leicester Highway.

Duke Energy listed the cause of the outage as a vehicle damaging its equipment and said a crew was en route.

Drivers in the area should use caution around downed utility lines and equipment and avoid the area if possible.

Duke Energy’s estimated restoration time can change as crews assess the damage and make repairs.