Taxi Caught Atop Power Utility Hole in Times Square

Initially, some people in the Times Square on Dec. 4 thought they had witnessed or heard a massive explosion at the Crossroads of the World.

It turned out to be far less ominous. A yellow cab somehow became perched on a metal plate over a hole that appeared to be protecting some kind of below-street-level power utility equipment belonging to Con Edison at West 43nd Street and Broadway, literally the heart of Times Square.

A plate appears to have become dislodged as the taxi was driving over it.

The front bumper of the vehicle was resting on the metal plate that should have been flat on the ground but instead was perpendicular to the roadway. The rear wheels were resting precariously against the back rim of the construction hole.

Police used red plastic lawn chairs to help string yellow police tape around the scene of the accident, which attracted glances and photos from curious bystanders.

Miraculously, nobody was hurt during the incident.

.”The vehicle was towed,” said a police spokesperson. “No injuries or damages were reported.”

Police said that “Con Edison was notified,” suggesting that the grate was connected to the power utility. Con Ed had not returned a call by press time.