Canada’s Halifax Regional Police are investigating the gruesome death of a 19-year-old Walmart employee who was discovered in a walk-in oven at the store’s bakery.
According to reports, the incident occurred at a Walmart located on Mumford Road in Halifax, Nova Scotia. Officers responded to an emergency call on Saturday night, following reports of a sudden death at the store.
The victim, who had migrated from India to Canada two to three years ago with her family, was part of Halifax’s Maritime Sikh Society.
Members of the community have expressed their sorrow, with Maritime Sikh Society secretary Balbir Singh stating,
“It’s a really tragic incident, and everybody is deeply hurt by this.”
Emergency services were called after staff realised the woman was locked in the bakery oven, with one call suggesting that the oven was still on at the time. Despite efforts by first responders, the woman was pronounced dead at the scene.
Halifax Regional Police described the case as a “complex” investigation, with multiple agencies, including the Occupational Health and Safety Department and the Nova Scotia Medical Examiner’s Service, involved.
Investigators have yet to determine the cause and manner of death, urging the public to remain patient and avoid speculation.
“We urge the public to be mindful of sharing speculative information on social media,” the police said in a statement, citing the potential emotional impact on the victim’s family and colleagues.
The Nova Scotia Department of Labour has issued a stop-work order for the bakery and specific equipment in the Walmart store, which remains closed until further notice.
Walmart spokesperson Amanda Moss expressed the company’s grief over the tragedy.
“We are heartbroken, and our deepest thoughts are with our associate and their family.”
Walmart has offered support to its staff, including grief counselling and 24/7 virtual care.
The investigation is ongoing, with authorities working to uncover the events leading to the young woman’s death.
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