Tout dies, 16 people injured

A TOUT died while 16 people were injured when a Tshova Mubaiwa Taxi Association kombi collided with a Toyota Gaia at an uncontrolled intersection in Bulawayo's Tshabalala suburb yesterday morning.

The tout (23) who was hanging out of the kombi window on impact, was dragged on the tarred road after the vehicle overturned and slid on its side.

Witnesses said one side of the unidentified tout's body was mangled and blood spouted from a deep gash on his neck which passersby unsuccessfully tried to stem with pieces of cloth.

He died in an ambulance on the way to hospital.

The witnesses said the driver of the commuter omnibus, who appeared confused, tried to flee the scene.

Bulawayo police spokesperson Inspector Precious Simango said: "We're investigating an accident that happened in Tshabalala involving a commuter omnibus and a Toyota Gaia where a male aged 23 passed away. Investigations are still underway."

Meanwhile, another accident occurred in Sizinda suburb, near Westgate turn off. A kombi crashed into the rear of another commuter omnibus as both vehicles raced for passengers.