Education authorities appealed to public transport drivers to exercise extra caution on the road after one driver died and 22 pupils from different schools were involved in a "terrible" head-on collision in the North West.

The collision, between two Quantum taxis, happened in Klerksdorp.

"The pupils were travelling to their different schools at the time of the accident. The injured learners were transported to Ancron and Tshepong hospitals in Klerksdorp," said education department spokesperson Elias Malindi.

One of the taxi drivers died at the scene. Five pupils were reported to be in a critical condition.

Education MEC Mmaphefo Matsemela was travelling to check on the condition of the injured pupils on Wednesday.

Matsemela expressed shock at the incident and wished the pupils a speedy recovery so they could return to school in time for the upcoming examinations.

"On behalf of the department I wish to convey my sincerest condolences to the family of the driver who lost his life during the accident. I would also like to wish all learners a speedy recovery," said Matsemela.

Counselling and support was arranged for the affected pupils.