Shocked workers kept taking calls after a car rammed through the wall of a Colchester taxi office.

Wrecked - owners Derek Hannah, left, and Christie Wettasinghe in the demolished Hawaii 5-0 cab office after a car crashed through the wall. (40303-d)

Builders were yesterday making emergency repairs to the Culver Street East base of Hawaii 5-0 following the crash at about 8.35pm on Boxing Day.

The driver of the Toyota car, believed to be a Thai or Chinese national, was taken to Colchester General Hospital for treatment.

He was breathalysed, but the test proved negative.

A structural engineer called out by fire crews confirmed the Grade II-listed building, formerly known as Culver Hall, was not in danger of collapse.

Taxi boss Christie Wettasinghe said staff, including 19-year-old Stephanie de la Rue, who was working her first shift for the company, had continued to man the phones throughout the drama.

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Published Tuesday, December 28, 2004

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