Tunisian immigrant facing deportation threat dies after setting himself on fire

Two passers-by put out the flames but could not save him

Victim was transported by helicopter to University Hospital Zurich, where he died (Reuters)

A 45-year-old Tunisian man has died in hospital after setting himself on fire at a petrol station in Switzerland, according Swiss media.

The man was reportedly in the country illegally and was facing deportation.

He poured petrol over himself at a gas station before walking 50 metres towards a bus stop, where he doused more petrol over himself and used a lighter to set himself on fire.

Two people passing by put out the flames using blankets and a fire extinguisher from the petrol station.

He was transported by helicopter to University Hospital Zurich on Wednesday, but later died from his injuries.

No one else was harmed during the incident and police are investigating the motives and circumstances around the 45-year-old's death.