The bodies of 14 people killed in Thursday’s road accident at Chisapanigadhi in Bhimphedi Rural Municipality-6, Makawanpur, remain at Hetauda Hospital as their families refuse to claim them.

The relatives have demanded compensation of Rs1 million for each victim, employment for family members and government coverage of medical expenses for those injured in the crash. They have said they will not accept the bodies until their demands are addressed.

The District Administration Office and District Police Office in Makawanpur have made arrangements to transport the bodies to the victims’ villages, but the families have refused to receive them.

The accident occurred at around 5:45am on Thursday when a microbus travelling from Kathmandu plunged about 700 metres down a slope from the main road at Chisapanigadhi. The vehicle, registered as Madhesh Province 03-001 Ja 0880, was carrying 20 people, including the driver, despite having only 14 seats.

The crash site is about eight kilometres north of the Area Police Office in Bhimphedi. Fourteen people, including 13 passengers and the driver, were killed.

The tragedy struck as the village was preparing for Chhath, turning what should have been a festive occasion into one of mourning.

Thirteen of the victims were from Sundarpur, including six members of one family. Most of those killed from the village were engaged in the vegetable and fruit trade in Kathmandu.