Disturbing new twist in death of Halifax Walmart worker, 19, who was ‘baked to death’ in industrial oven
The walk-in oven at a Walmart store where a 19-year-old woman died under gruesome circumstances was unlocked, sources claim.
Canada’s national broadcaster CBC News said their sources told them the device at the Halifax store “didn’t lock.”
That raises disturbing new questions about the Oct. 19 death, with previous reports highlighting a 911 call that said the woman was trapped in the oven.
The victim, who has not been named, emigrated to Canada from India about three years ago. The police are continuing the investigation, but there are no indications yet that the woman has been the victim of foul play.
After the tragedy, mourners flocked to the supermarket to lay flowers and pay tribute to the victim and her family.
After the tragedy, mourners flocked to the supermarket, where they laid flowers and paid tribute to the victim and her family.
Conspiracy theories about what happened to her have flooded the internet, alongside unverified reports about her identity.
But investigators have urged people not to speculate, while the victim’s family has asked for privacy.
The young woman had only arrived in Canada within the past three years and had developed close ties with the Maritime Sikh Society.
“It’s quite disturbing because young people come here with hopes and dreams,” said board member Satnam Singh Randhawa.
“They work hard and this is what happens.”
While the exact brand of the oven involved in the incident has not yet been revealed, other Walmart stores in the United States are known to have installed ovens like the one in the photo.
Singh expects a religious service will be held in Halifax after the woman’s body is released by the medical examiner, who is still determining the official cause of death. An altar is depicted at the victim’s temple
The oven was industrial and large enough for one person to enter.
Police told the publication that the young woman had been working on the day of the tragedy. Officers are no longer on scene, but the investigation is ongoing.
The Nova Scotia Department of Labor has since issued a ‘stop work order’ for the bakery itself, as well as one piece of Walmart equipment. They did not specify which device is covered by that order.
Balbir Singh, secretary of the Maritime Sikh Society, said the victim’s mother is also in Canada and is receiving “psychological counselling.”
“Efforts are being made to bring other immediate family members from India,” he said.
Singh expects a religious service will be held in Halifax after the woman’s body is released by the medical examiner, who is still determining the official cause of death.
The disturbing audio of the emergency services call has now been released, with details the unfolding tragedy for first responders.
Dispatch said a “woman was trapped in an oven in the bakery.”
‘Oven is on. I’m not sure the staff can turn it off.’
Police told the publication that the young woman had been working on the day of the tragedy. Officers are no longer on scene, but the investigation is ongoing
The teen was working at the Halifax store in Nova Scotia when she became stuck in a walk-in oven at the bakery on Saturday evening.
By the time first responders arrived on scene, they said the woman was “out of the oven.”
She died on the spot.
Martin Cromwell, a police officer in Halifax, described the investigation as “complex.”
He said: ‘We understand that the public is involved, and we just wanted to encourage the public to be patient with our investigation and be mindful that family members and colleagues are involved.’
Walmart Canada said they were “heartbroken and our deepest thoughts are with our associate and their family. We extend our sincere condolences to those closest to them.”
The staff scheduled this week will continue to be paid despite the store closures. The store will remain closed until further notice.
A dispatch officer described the unfolding tragedy to first responders, revealing that a “woman had been locked in an oven in the bakery.”
The statement continued: ‘We are also supporting our employees during this incredibly difficult time and have provided access to 24/7 virtual care and will provide on-site support, including grief counseling.’
Halifax Regional Police said: “On October 19 at approximately 9:30 p.m., police were called to a sudden death at Walmart at 6990 Mumford Road. A 19-year-old woman who worked at the store was found deceased.
“Investigators are working closely with the Occupational Health and Safety Service and the Nova Scotia Medical Examiner Service to determine the cause and manner of death.
“The investigation is in its early stages and no further details are known at this time.”