Families of those killed in Tuesday’s bus accident in Ramechhap staged a protest at the District Administration Office on Wednesday, demanding compensation and legal action against those responsible.

The protest turned tense after some victims’ relatives broke through a police cordon and entered the administration premises, insisting on meeting the Chief District Officer in person to press their demands. Police later used force to escort them out.

The agitation got worse after an all-party meeting held until late Wednesday failed to reach a compensation agreement.

According to participants, the proposal offered under the Transport Management Act includes Rs500,000 in insurance coverage and Rs50,000 for funeral expenses per deceased. Araniko Yatayat Pvt Ltd, the bus operator, also proposed an additional Rs30,000 per deceased. However, the victims’ families rejected the offer as inadequate.

The bereaved families have demanded Rs2.5 million in compensation per deceased, full medical treatment for the injured and long-term support for affected families.

Following the deadlock, relatives blocked the Manthali–Khurkot road section from Wednesday morning at Aakashe and Bhaiseshwor areas of Manthali Municipality-6, accusing the vehicle owner and transport company of failing to come into contact.

On Tuesday, a passenger bus heading to Okhaldhunga from Kathmandu via the Manthali–Khurkot road had plunged into the Tamakoshi river near Benighat bridge at around 10:40 am, killing 12 people and injuring eight others.

Meanwhile, relatives have filed complaints at the District Police Office stating that three passengers remain missing.

Those reported missing include 24-year-old Bishal Sunuwar of ward 6 of Umakunda Rural Municipality, 8-year-old Remisa Tamang of ward 7 of Likhu Tamakoshi Rural Municipality, and 9-year-old Krichan Tamang of Manthali Municipality-2. Family members said Remisa is the daughter of Ramita Tamang, one of the deceased.

Shukman Tamang of Likhu Tamakoshi-7, who lost two family members and is still searching for two grandsons, said the road blockade would continue until their demands are addressed.

Police said search efforts in the river are ongoing, while investigations into the accident continue.