ADEN, Yemen, Nov. 5 (Xinhua) -- At least 34 people were killed when a long-distance passenger coach collided head-on with a minibus in Yemen's southern province of Abyan early Wednesday, a local security official told Xinhua.

The coach, traveling from Saudi Arabia to Yemen's southern port city of Aden, collided with the minibus along a steep mountain pass in Abyan's Arqoub area. The impact triggered a blaze that engulfed both vehicles, killing 31 passengers on the coach and three occupants of the minibus, said the official, who requested anonymity.

Most victims were trapped inside as the coach's door system malfunctioned and sealed windows hindered rescue efforts, said the official, adding that 13 passengers survived after breaking windows, sustaining severe burns and other injuries.

The Arqoub stretch is highly dangerous due to its steep inclines and sharp bends. ■