Kavrepalanchok, February 12
Public transport services have resumed after an agreement was reached to provide compensation to the families of those killed in Tuesday’s passenger bus accident in Ramechhap and to ensure more effective monitoring of public transport operations.
During talks that continued until late Wednesday between the local administration, representatives of Araniko Transport Service, and victims’ families, it was agreed that Araniko Transport would immediately arrange compensation for the victims’ families as per prevailing laws. The agreement also states that families of passengers who remain missing after the accident will be treated as equivalent to the deceased for compensation purposes.
According to the agreement, Nepal Araniko Transport Service Pvt. Ltd. will promptly provide compensation to the families of those who died in the accident in accordance with existing laws. Additional compensation will be discussed through further negotiations facilitated by the District Security Committee, involving victims’ representatives, local government officials, and the transport company.
It was also agreed that post-mortem examinations of the deceased at hospitals will be completed and the bodies handed over to families for last rites with their consent and coordination. Legal action will be pursued against the driver in accordance with prevailing laws. Search operations will continue for passengers suspected to be missing, and compensation will be provided to their families under the same provisions as for the deceased.
The agreement further notes that relevant authorities will be requested to provide additional support if the accident is proven to have resulted from driver negligence, as claimed by the victims’ side. Demands submitted by the victims will be forwarded to the concerned transport company, the Ministry of Home Affairs, and the Office of the Prime Minister and Council of Ministers for implementation and facilitation. In return, the victims have agreed to suspend ongoing protest programmes.
Authorities will also recommend cancellation of vehicle registration under existing laws if vehicles are found to be operated in a manner that endangers passengers’ lives. Police units at border entry points and other checkpoints will be required to conduct mandatory inspections of vehicles entering Ramechhap and those operating within the district, maintaining records of passenger numbers, entry times, and related details.
The agreement also includes provisions for effective monitoring of transport services operating in Ramechhap, regular checks to ensure drivers are not under the influence of alcohol or narcotic substances, and improvements to road conditions by the concerned authorities.
Two children and one youth still missing
Three people remain missing following the bus incident near Tribeni Bridge in Manthali Municipality–6 on Tuesday.
According to the District Police Office, Ramechhap, the missing are nine-year-old Krichan Tamang of Pipley, Manthali Municipality–2; eight-year-old Ronish Tamang of Tilpung, Likhu Tamakoshi Rural Municipality–7; and 24-year-old Bishal Sunuwar of Gupteshwor, Umakunda Rural Municipality–6.
The Araniko Transport Service bus (registration number Ba Pra 001-05 Kha 9975), which had departed Kathmandu for Okhaldhunga on Tuesday, fell about 100 metres off the road into the Tamakoshi River near Tribeni Bridge in Manthali–6. Twelve people died on the spot and eight others were injured in the incident.
