Seven Carleton Jones High School pupils died after their minibus taxi overturned in Potchefstroom, North West police said on Monday.

Inspector Sam Tselanyane said the children were going to a matric farewell after-party on Sunday when their taxi overturned at around 5pm.

"The driver lost control of the taxi and it rolled several times."

Six of the pupils ? Boitumelo Motsumi, Bongiwe Hlandlana (18), Handrietta Matokane (15), Palesa Motsatse (17), Mondli Mgabhi, (18) and the driver Serame Mphandwe (23), died on the scene.

The seventh victim, Palesa Motsumi died on arrival at hospital.

Keorapetse Masilo (17), Andile Makhapela (17), Thato Makwe (16), Karabo Kadi (16), and Esther Phiri (19), were admitted to hospital in critical conditions.

Simphiwe Manjwe (17), Bathini Ndamase (16), Nkosinathi Mthambo (16), and Lesego Matshadiso (18), were treated and discharged on Sunday.

A case of culpable homicide was opened.