A 19-year-old Sikh woman was found dead inside a walk-in oven at the local Halifax, Nova Scotia, Walmart store yesterday evening.
On Saturday, Halifax Regional Police (HRP) received a disturbing 911 call describing the woman as being “trapped” inside the oven. Responding close to 9:30 pm, police evacuated the Mumford Road Walmart immediately. That Halifax store has been closed since, and further investigation is pending.
The call described the unthinkable situation – the young Walmart employee was found dead inside a big industrial oven. Though the oven has no lock, it is still not clear as to what exactly happened to her according to authorities’ explanations. Police have termed the incident a “sudden death” with no foul play reported yet.
Walmart Women Death Case
The case has raised interest not only among local authorities but also in members of the community. Constable Martin Cromwell, Halifax Regional Police, called the case complex even as he appealed for public patience with matters that the public discussed copiously online. The case is being investigated with Nova Scotia’s Department of Health and Safety, the Department of Labour, Skills and Immigration and the Office of the Medical Examiner.
The stop-work order issued by the Department of Labour clarifies that one machine, apparently the oven, should be taken apart for inspection and not be re-opened until further notice. Halifax police and occupational health investigators were looking into parts of the disaster, and the medical examiner’s office was working on a cause of death.
Community Mourns Young Life Cut Short
The death of the woman has come as a shock to the Sikh community and other Halifax residents, as Balbir Singh, secretary of the Maritime Sikh Society, indicated that “hearts are hurt.” Singh confirmed that psychological counselling had been provided for the mother of the victim and added that work is underway to bring other immediate family members from India.
As a testament to their love and affection for her, residents laid flowers and sent messages outside the Walmart store. There will also be a religious service for her when the medical examiner releases her body.
Walmart Death Policy
Amanda Moss, a Walmart Canada spokesperson, confirmed the company’s sadness regarding losing an employee. In a statement published by Moss, Walmart revealed that it was “heartbroken” over the tragic incident and closed the store to facilitate the investigation process and give ample time to staff to mourn. Walmart even initiated on-site as well as virtual counselling for employees who lost their lives in the fatal incident.
In the statement, Moss said, “Our highest thoughts are for our partner and their loved one. Our efforts will continue to focus on the care of our members and make sure they get all the support needed,”
India-Canada Relations Continue to Escalate
This tragedy came when the diplomatic relations between India and Canada have sort of heightened tension after allegations were levelled against the killing of Sikh separatist Hardeep Singh Nijjar. The nations had recently recalled six diplomats, which led to political friction. However, Sikh community leaders have appealed to remain patient and focus on the police investigation rather than speculating on the nature of the incident so answers can be sought over time.
As the city of Halifax mourns this loss, police urge citizens not to circulate speculative information on social networks but to give investigating officers some space to do their work. The community waits for some information as investigators try to establish circumstances around the untimely death of a young woman.
