A tragic incident at a Walmart bakery in Halifax has left a 19-year-old woman dead after she was found inside a large, walk-in oven on Saturday evening. Halifax police reported the discovery after first responders arrived at the scene in the city’s west end.
In a news release issued on Tuesday, police emphasized that the investigation is still in its initial stages and it remains unclear whether foul play is involved. “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 statement read. Authorities described the investigation as “complex” and stated that it involves multiple partner agencies, warning that it may take considerable time to complete.
Meanwhile, a spokesperson for the province’s labour department confirmed that a stop-work order has been placed on the Walmart bakery, specifically targeting one piece of equipment.
Police were called to the Walmart on Mumford Road at approximately 9:30 p.m. on Saturday, where they discovered the woman deceased. Her identity has not been disclosed at this time.
Balbir Singh, secretary of the Maritime Sikh Society, expressed the community’s sorrow over the incident. He revealed that the society had been in touch with the victim’s mother, learning that the woman and her mother had emigrated from India to Canada two to three years ago. The local Sikh community is deeply distressed by the news.
“It’s a really tragic incident, and everybody is deeply hurt by this,” Singh shared in an interview. “We are waiting for the police investigation to reveal what happened to this young woman.” He added that the society is arranging psychological counseling for the mother and working to bring other close family members from India. Singh noted that a religious service will be held in Halifax once the medical examiner releases the body.
Singh urged authorities to provide clarity and put an end to speculation circulating on social media. “It’s all rumors on social media,” he stated. “We need clear information from the police to end these rumors.”
Walmart has not yet responded to requests for comment.
Walk-in ovens, also known as cabinet or batch ovens, are designed for large-scale baking, drying, or curing and are commonly used in large bakeries, supermarkets, and big-box stores.
The investigation remains ongoing, and the public is urged to wait for further updates from police and safety officials.