An unfortunate mishap on Highway 5 at the east entrance to Muenster has led to a sheared off light standard striking a house, downed power lines blocking the east access, and the village without power.

Between 12 noon and 1:00 PM, a bin in transport struck a power line crossing Highway 5 at the east access to Muenster. The line became entangled with the bin and was pulled with enough force to snap a wooden power line which doubled as a light standard on College Avenue. The light standard toppled onto a residence along College Avenue. The pole struck the garage causing some damage to the roof and eavestroughing.

Homeowner Terri Schindelka was in the residence at the time of the accident. She describes the scene, "We were sitting and having lunch when all of a sudden we heard a huge boom and the whole house shook. The power went off, so I came outside to see what had happened. I saw the power pole lying across the back alley and onto our garage."

Schindelka's children remained safely inside the house as live wires were audible in a neighbouring yard. None of the residents in that yard were home at the time. 

The bin was being hauled by Co-op Agro Services to a farm near Muenster. After the line was downed, pilot drivers ensured the bin was safely off the highway before returning to help local residents secure the affected areas. 

Humboldt Fire Department's Deputy Chief Darrel Wickenhauser explained that SaskPower cut power as the lines were live.

"Unfortunately, the pole did land on a house that had some children in the occupancy. So SaskPower is on scene and has disconnected the power so the kids are able to leave the house safely."

RCMP and EMS were also on site. No injuries were sustained in the incident. Power has been interrupted in Muenster, St. Gregor and surrounding rural. SaskPower has not provided a time of restoration.