The apparently miraculous suspension of a Black and White cab at the top of the stairs down to Charlotte Street from St Stephen’s Cathedral stopped pedestrians in their tracks last week.
The incident, which happened on March 18 about 12.30pm, also drew fire engines, police cars and an ambulance as firefighters secured the errant cab.
It quickly became the talk of Brisbane, mentioned on many media outlets both in print, on line, on television and radio.
Brisbane archdiocesan services facilities manager Patrick Cremin said the taxi driver had driven in from the cathedral’s Elizabeth Street entrance to pick up a disabled woman attending a conference at the Francis Rush Centre.
“He had kindly driven the cab in to get as close as possible to where the woman was waiting,” Mr Cremin said.
“The driver wrongly assumed the path would provide access for the cab to Charlotte Street.
“Fortunately neither he nor his passenger were injured in the incident.”
Mr Cremin was kept busy throughout the saga contacting relevant emergency services and ensuring the safety of members of the public until a tow truck arrived to remove the cab. The cab was able to be driven from the scene.
Mr Cremin said initially he was concerned for the safety of bystanders, many of whom were stopping to watch or take photos with mobile phones.
“However, once facilities officer George Mason assured me the vehicle was safe and secure, I was confident we had everything under control until emergency services arrived.”
A report on the incident will now be prepared for St Stephen’s Cathedral dean Fr Ken Howell, and action would be taken if and where it was necessary, he said.
