A heartbreaking incident unfolded at a local Walmart in Halifax when a 19-year-old Sikh woman was discovered deceased inside a walk-in oven in the store’s bakery department, authorities confirmed on Tuesday.
The Halifax Regional Police (HRP) were alerted to a sudden death at the Walmart located at 6990 Mumford Road around 9:30 p.m. on Saturday. Upon arrival, officers found the young woman, an employee at the store, lifeless inside the bakery’s industrial oven. Her identity remains undisclosed as investigations are ongoing.
The Maritime Sikh Society reached out to CTV News to confirm the victim’s affiliation with their community. Anmolpreet Singh, a spokesperson for the society, expressed profound sorrow over the loss. “It’s very sad for us, for her family as well, because she came for a better future and she lost her life,” Singh stated.
Recent reports from The Globe and Mail indicate that the woman had recently immigrated to Canada from India, seeking new opportunities. Her untimely death has left her family and community in mourning.
In the wake of the tragedy, the Walmart store has remained closed since Saturday night to allow authorities to conduct a thorough investigation. HRP Constable Martin Cromwell addressed the media regarding the case, acknowledging the surge of online rumors about the circumstances surrounding her death. “The investigation is complex,” Cromwell explained. “We understand the public is involved, and we just wanted to encourage the public to be patient with our investigation and be mindful that there are family members and coworkers involved.”
The police are collaborating with relevant agencies, including Nova Scotia’s medical examiner and the Department of Health and Safety, to determine the cause of death. A spokeswoman for the province’s labour department confirmed that a stop-work order has been issued for the bakery and one piece of equipment at the Walmart store.
HRP has urged the public to refrain from sharing speculative information on social media, emphasizing the sensitivity of the ongoing investigation. “It is important to note that the investigation has not yet reached a point where the cause and manner of death have been confirmed,” the police department stated.
Walk-in ovens, also known as cabinet or batch ovens, are standard in large-scale bakeries, allowing for the curing, drying, or baking of products in batches using wheeled racks or carts. The presence of such equipment is a key focus in the current investigation.
Walmart Canada released a statement expressing their deep sorrow over the incident. “We are heartbroken and our thoughts are with the woman’s family during this incredibly difficult time,” the company said.
As authorities continue their investigation, the community remains shaken by the loss of a young life pursuing a new beginning in Canada.
