Eight pupils died when their bus driver lost control of the vehicle and it overturned on the R66 between Ulundi and Kwaceza, a transport spokesman said on Wednesday.

Kwanele Ncalane said eight pupils died, five were in a critical condition and 20 sustained minor injuries.

The accident happened on Tuesday night while the bus was transporting pupils from Richards Bay to Kwaceza.

Ncalane could not immediately provide the ages of the pupils. It was not clear whether the driver was injured.

"Investigations to establish the cause of the accident have started," Ncalane said.

He said Mchunu would inspect the accident scene, and would visit the survivors and their school.