CLAYTON, N.C. — The power is back on after a two-vehicle wreck Wednesday shut down a portion of Clayton.

About 1,000 homes and businesses in Clayton lost power shortly after 10:30 a.m. The accident could not have happened at a worse time -- at the height at the lunch-time rush.

Banks and restaurants had to shut down. The doors were locked, and the signs said "Closed" on several Clayton businesses.

Customers found out why when they stopped to get a sandwich -- a van had hit a utility pole, and the power company had to cut off power to make the repairs.

Traffic lights were out, and police directed traffic along a very busy section of U.S. 70.

The driver will be charged with failing to yield.

Only minor injuries were reported in the accident.

According to police, the van pulled out in front of oncoming traffic, hit two other vehicles and crashed into the utility pole. About 50 homes or businesses were cut off until as late as 4 p.m.