A tragic incident unfolded in Brooklyn, New York, where a woman lost her life after being set on fire by a man using a cigarette lighter in a subway train.

NYPD Commissioner Jessica Tisch confirmed the horrifying act, stating that the man approached the woman and ignited her clothing without any prior interaction between the two.

“The woman’s clothes caught fire, and sadly, she succumbed to the flames instantly,” Tisch said.

The suspect was later apprehended by police at Herald Square station in Manhattan after reportedly boarding another train.

“Officers noticed smoke and detected the smell of something burning. When they investigated, they discovered the victim engulfed in flames,” Tisch explained.

Witnesses reported that after committing the act, the man exited the train and sat outside as if nothing had happened.

Police are investigating the motive behind the shocking incident as the community mourns the senseless loss of life.