The incident took place as the vehicle touched a high-tension transmission line that was hanging low at Baluwa in Baramchi, said police. The bus was en route to Kattike in the district from Kathmandu.

The deceased have been identified as Rekh Bahadur Syangbo, 45, of Golche-4, Bikash Tamang, 30, of Gumba-5, Mana Maya Bhujel, 70, of Batase-3 and Sarkini Syangbo of Pangtang-2.

They were charred to death. According to witnesses, the passengers got the electric shock as they rushed out after the vehicle touched the wire. Police have held the driver for a probe. The injured are receiving care at Shiva Jyoti Hospital in Balkhu, Kathmandu.

Relatives have refused to receive the bodies demanding compensation from the Nepal Electricity Authority.