JOHANNESBURG - Twelve pupils from Rocklands Primary School and Laerskool Blyvooruitsig in Carletonville were killed in an early morning crash.
The driver was also killed in the crash in the Kokosi-Wedela area of Merafong.
Seven pupils were rushed to hospital for urgent medical attention.
"I am profoundly saddened by this tragic event," Gauteng MEC for Education, Sport, Arts, Culture & Recreation Matome Chiloane said in a statement.
"The loss of our children is a devastating blow to our community, and our thoughts and prayers are with the families of the deceased and injured learners."
The department has dispatched its Psycho-Social Support team to provide immediate support.
12 pupils, driver killed in Carletonville crash