Ramechhap Bus Accident: Protests and Clashes Over Compensation

Ramechhap. Families of those who died in a bus accident in Manthali Municipality-6 on Tuesday have surrounded the District Administration Office, Ramechhap, demanding fair compensation.

During the demonstration, police fired tear gas and one warning shot in the air, stating that protesters attempted to vandalize the office gate. Relatives of the deceased and injured gathered in front of the District Administration Office on Wednesday evening, leading to a scuffle with police after the crowd pushed against the main gate. Police reported firing three rounds of tear gas and one aerial shot to prevent the situation from escalating out of control.

Protesters have become further enraged following the incident. An all-party meeting held late Wednesday evening failed to reach an agreement regarding compensation. The administration stated that no conclusion could be reached as representatives from the bus operating company, Purba Araniko Yatayat Pvt. Ltd., did not attend the discussion. 

Due to the lack of agreement, relatives of the deceased blocked the Manthali-Khurkot road passing through the Akashe and Bhainseshwar areas of Manthali Municipality-6 since Wednesday morning. Vehicle movement has been completely disrupted by the road blockade.

The passenger bus (Ba Pra 001-05 Kha 9975) belonging to Purba Araniko Yatayat Pvt. Ltd. was traveling from Kathmandu toward Okhaldhunga via the Manthali-Khurkot route and the Mid-Hill Highway. At approximately 10:40 AM on Tuesday, the bus went out of control near the Benighat bridge in Manthali Municipality-6, plunged off the road, and submerged in the Tamakoshi River.

Twelve people died at the scene, while eight others, including the driver, were injured. Some of the injured are reported to be in serious condition, and several people remain missing.

The families of the deceased are demanding 25 lakh rupees in compensation per person, full coverage of medical expenses for the injured, and long-term support arrangements. However, the bus operating company has proposed providing 5 lakh rupees from insurance according to the Transport Management Act, 50,000 rupees for funeral expenses, and an additional 30,000 rupees per deceased person from the company. 

The victims' families have rejected this proposal. The victims have warned that they will continue their protest until an agreement on compensation is reached. As the situation remains tense, the administration has tightened security in the district.