Protests Erupt in Manthali Following Fatal Tamakoshi Bus Accident

Ramechhap. Relatives of the deceased and injured from Tuesday morning's bus accident in the Tamakoshi River at Manthali Municipality-6 blocked traffic in the Manthali market area on Wednesday. The victims have launched a protest demanding justice, including action against the guilty and compensation.

The relatives have been protesting since morning by stopping vehicle movement on the main road section. Due to the traffic obstruction, daily life in the Manthali market and surrounding areas has been affected, leaving passengers stranded midway.

On Tuesday, a bus belonging to Purbe Araniko Yatayat Pvt. Ltd. (Province 03-01-005 Kha 9975), traveling from Kathmandu toward Gamnang in Okhaldhunga via Ramechhap, crashed into the Tamakoshi River, resulting in 12 deaths and 8 injuries. 

Among the injured, seven are receiving treatment at various hospitals in Dhulikhel and Kathmandu. Police reported that the driver, who sustained minor injuries, has been taken into custody after treatment.

Among those who lost their lives, eight bodies are kept at the Manthali City Hospital’s morgue and four are at Ramechhap Hospital. However, because official representatives of the bus operating company have not come forward, the post-mortem process has been halted as no agreement has been reached regarding the victim families' demands.

The local administration stated that although they have been holding talks with the victims since Tuesday night, no conclusion has been reached due to the absence of company officials. Relatives have maintained their stance that they will not allow the post-mortem or other processes to proceed until responsible representatives of the company appear and make their position clear.

The victims have demanded an impartial investigation into the accident, legal action against those responsible, and appropriate compensation for the families of the deceased. The administration stated that efforts are ongoing to resolve the issue through dialogue and coordination.