A microbus crash in Nepal’s Makwanpur district killed 14 people and injured six, while relatives are keeping the victims’ bodies as they demand compensation, jobs for family members, and government-funded care for survivors.
The electric vehicle was travelling from Kathmandu to Sarlahi early Thursday, November 12. Near Chisapanigadhi in Bhimphedi, it went off the road and plunged down a steep slope. It was carrying 20 people, including the driver, despite having only 14 seats.
The dead included the driver and 13 passengers. Six members of one family were among the victims. Many passengers were heading home for the Chhath festival.
As of Friday, the bodies remained at Hetauda Hospital. Families were seeking 1 million rupees for each person killed, jobs for relatives, and government-funded treatment for the injured. District officials said compensation would be provided according to the law.
Relatives also reportedly opposed examinations of the bodies after death. Authorities had arranged to transport the bodies to the victims’ villages. Families had not accepted the bodies.
Police are investigating the crash. Officials have formed a committee to examine what caused it and recommend ways to prevent similar accidents.