Stolen asphalt packer slams into building

The Saskatoon Fire Department was called in to assist after someone reportedly stole an asphalt packer.

Police reported that the stolen piece of construction equipment had been driven into the side of a building at 1502 Quebec Avenue North around 9 p.m. Sunday, according to a fire department media release.

Firefighters arrived to find flames coming out of the machine’s engine compartment.

Crews were able to extinguish the blaze within a few minutes. They then checked the area for other hazards before turning the scene over to police.

No injuries were reported.

Total damage to the packer, the building and surrounding property is estimated at $75,000.