A fatal accident in Burnaby shut down a major commuter route during Tuesday morning’s rush hour and claimed the life of a 57-year-old man.

Canada Way was closed in both directions between Burris Street and Sperling Avenue for several hours following a severe crash around 6 a.m.

Witnesses say a white SUV driving down a hill on Canada Way struck the driver's side of a black Mazda sedan that was encroaching onto the road.

Both vehicles spun out and ended up on the other side of the road.

The Mazda driver was rushed to hospital but died from his injuries. His identity has not been released.

The driver of the white SUV is shaken up, said Burnaby RCMP Const. David Chu.

“As you can imagine he’s quite distraught. He’s not seriously injured and he’s fully cooperating,” Chu said.

Police say the GMC Jimmy was too close to avoid the collision.

Speed is not believed to be a factor in the accident. Chu said accidents frequently occur in the same area.

Both drivers were wearing their seatbelts and charges are not expected.  This is Burnaby's seventh motor vehicle-related fatality this year.