 "A Walmart remains closed as a vigil grows outside the taped-off area, October 23, 2024, in Halifax, Nova Scotia. AP")
In Canada’s Halifax city, a 19-year-old Sikh woman was found dead inside a walk-in oven of a Walmart store’s bakery department, police in eastern Canada confirmed.
Halifax Regional Police (HRP) stated that they received a call regarding a death on Saturday, leading to the evacuation of the store. Local media is reporting that the deceased woman was identified as a member of the Sikh community who had recently relocated to Canada with her mother.
Speaking to Global News, Walmart said it was working with the cops as part of the investigation and “out of respect for the associate and their family, we cannot provide any additional information.”
This incident comes amid heightened tensions between India and Canada after both countries recalled six of their diplomats. The controversy arose after New Delhi criticised Ottawa for failing to present any evidence of India’s involvement in the killing of Khalistani terrorist Hardeep Singh Nijjar and for not taking action against separatist elements in Canada.
What happened?
The 19-year-old Sikh woman was found inside a walk-in oven at the Walmart store, police said. Since then, the store has remained closed as the investigation progresses, according to Halifax police.
A 911 call made last Saturday described the woman as “trapped” inside the oven. However, the oven did not have a locking mechanism, CBC reported citing sources. Police responded to the call at around 9:30 pm and described the event as a “sudden death.” Authorities have not indicated that foul play is suspected at this time.
Canada’s Department of Labour, Skills and Immigration has also issued a stop-work order for the bakery and “one piece of equipment,” CTV News reported.
Balbir Singh, secretary of the Maritime Sikh Society, told CBC News, “It’s a really tragic incident and everybody is deeply hurt by this, and we are waiting for the police investigation to come out.”
He added, “We would like to know what happened to this young woman.”
According to The Globe and Mail, the woman had recently moved to Canada from India.
How did she die?
Authorities have yet to confirm the cause or manner of the woman’s death and have not publicly released her name.
Halifax Regional Police Constable Martin Cromwell said that the police were aware of the online speculation surrounding the incident. “The investigation is complex,” he said.
“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.”
Cromwell added that Halifax police are working with relevant agencies as part of the ongoing investigation.
Meanwhile, Nova Scotia’s medical examiner is working to determine the cause of her death, while the province’s Department of Health and Safety is also participating in the inquiry.
Walk-in ovens, commonly referred to as cabinet or batch ovens, are used for baking, curing, or drying in large batches and are typically found in high-volume bakeries like those in supermarkets.
What did Walmart say about the incident?
Amanda Moss, a spokesperson for Walmart Canada, stated that the company was deeply saddened by the employee’s death. In a statement to CBS News, Moss mentioned that the store would remain closed until further notice to allow for the investigation and to give employees time to process the situation.
“We are heartbroken and our deepest thoughts are with our associate and their family. Our focus remains on taking care of our associates and making sure they have the support they need,” she said.
She also told CBC that Walmart had made virtual and on-site support, including grief counselling, available to staff members.
Meanwhile, the police have urged the public to be “mindful of sharing speculative information on social media.”
What’s next in the case?
Several Halifax residents have placed flowers and notes outside the Walmart store in tribute to the late employee.
Balbir Singh has said that psychological counselling is being offered to the woman’s mother, and efforts are ongoing to bring other immediate family members from India. He added that a religious service will be held in Halifax once the body is released by the medical examiner.
When asked about the mystery surrounding the woman’s death, Singh clarified that it is up to the police and occupational health investigators to clarify what happened.
“It’s all rumours on social media,” he told CBC. “We don’t know the details … there should be something from the police that puts an end to all the rumours.”
Police have not yet confirmed whether the circumstances surrounding the woman’s death are of a criminal nature.