A 19-year-old Sikh woman found dead in a Walmart bakery oven in Halifax.

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A 19-year-old Sikh woman was discovered deceased within a walk-in oven located in the bakery section of a Walmart store in Halifax, Canada, as reported by various media outlets. The Halifax Regional Police (HRP) responded to a report of a sudden death at the Walmart situated at 6990 Mumford Road at approximately 9:30 PM on Saturday evening. Authorities indicated that the woman, whose identity has not yet been released, was an employee of the store. The Maritime Sikh Society has confirmed her affiliation with their community, expressing deep sorrow over the incident. Anmolpreet Singh from the society remarked on the tragedy, stating, “It’s very sad for us, for her family as well, because she came for a better future and she lost her life.” Reports from The Globe and Mail indicate that she had recently relocated to Canada from India.The store has been closed since Saturday evening as the investigation continues. HRP Constable Martin Cromwell acknowledged the public’s curiosity regarding the circumstances surrounding the woman’s death, describing the investigation as intricate. He emphasized the importance of public patience, urging individuals to consider the feelings of the family and coworkers affected by this incident. Cromwell also noted that Halifax police are collaborating with relevant agencies to facilitate the investigation. In a statement released on Tuesday, HRP cautioned against the dissemination of speculative information on social media.

A representative from the province’s labour department confirmed that a stop-work order has been placed on the bakery and a specific piece of equipment at the Walmart store. It is crucial to highlight that the investigation has not yet established the cause or manner of death, as stated by HRP. The medical examiner in Nova Scotia is currently working to ascertain the cause of death, with the province’s Department of Health and Safety also involved in the inquiry. Walk-in ovens, commonly known as cabinet or batch ovens, are utilized for curing, drying, or baking in batches, typically found in high-volume bakeries within supermarkets. In response to the situation, Walmart Canada expressed their sorrow and extended their condolences to the woman’s family.