The British High Commissioner to South Africa has confirmed the death of two Britons in a coach crash in Barberton, near Nelspruit.

Nicola Brewer said: "They were part of a group of 18 students and two of their lecturers on a field trip. The latest information I have is that a small number have been injured. They are being treated in the Nelspruit area.

"Our thoughts and sympathies are with the families and loved ones of those involved."

In a statement, she added: "I am leading a crisis team that is now on its way to Nelspruit. Our first priority is to visit the injured in hospital and get in touch with their families back home."

The bus was carrying 22 students and one member of staff from the Brooksby Melton College, in Melton Mowbray, Leicestershire. They were on a field trip, and were about to return to the UK.

The college's marketing manager Anita Ladva said: "At present the only details we have are that we are aware of an incident with our students on an organised trip. We have had no official confirmation of injuries or fatalities.

"We are working under the guidance of the trip organiser's crisis management services," she said.

Hospital spokeswoman Robin Baard said casualties were still arriving. She said: "Two of them were very seriously injured. One is in theatre now with internal injuries."

She said the four other patients she knew of had injuries including facial lacerations, broken ribs and collar bones.

Police believe the driver lost control and the bus overturned. South Africa's roads are notoriously dangerous.