A 19-year-old Sikh woman was discovered deceased inside a walk-in oven in the bakery department of a Walmart store in Halifax, Canada, according to reports. The Halifax Regional Police (HRP) received a call regarding a sudden death at the Walmart located at 6990 Mumford Road around 9:30 PM on Saturday.
The woman, whose identity has not yet been released, was an employee at the store. The Maritime Sikh Society confirmed to CTV News that she was a member of their community. “It’s very sad for us and her family as well because she came here for a better future and lost her life,” said Anmolpreet Singh from the Maritime Sikh Society. Reports indicate she had recently moved to Canada from India.
The Walmart store has remained closed since Saturday night while authorities investigate the circumstances surrounding her death. HRP Constable Martin Cromwell acknowledged the online speculation regarding the cause of death but urged the public to be patient as the investigation unfolds. “This investigation is complex,” he stated, highlighting the importance of respecting the privacy of family members and coworkers involved.
Police are coordinating with relevant agencies, and HRP has cautioned against sharing unverified information on social media. A spokeswoman for the province’s labor department confirmed that a stop-work order has been issued for the bakery and “one piece of equipment” at the Walmart location.
While the investigation has not yet confirmed the cause and manner of death, Nova Scotia’s medical examiner is working to establish those details, with support from the province’s Department of Health and Safety. Walk-in ovens, commonly used in large-volume bakeries, facilitate batch baking and are equipped with wheeled racks or carts.
In a statement, Walmart Canada expressed their heartbreak over the incident and extended condolences to the woman’s family.
