Halifax, Nova Scotia — A tragic incident unfolded at a local Walmart when a 19-year-old employee was found dead inside a walk-in bakery oven. The grim discovery took place late Saturday evening, prompting an extensive, multifaceted investigation and the temporary cessation of operations at the retail site.
Authorities arrived at the Mumford Road Walmart at approximately 9:30 p.m., following a report of an unusual death within the premises. The first responders found the body of Gursimran Kaur inside the oven used by the store’s bakery.
Kaur, originally from the UK, had immigrated to Canada with her mother, who also works at Walmart, a couple of years prior. Her remains were found by her mother after a search that lasted over an hour. The young woman was an active member of the Maritime Sikh Society, which is now coordinating with her relatives in India to support their travel to Canada.
The Halifax Regional Police described the case as “complex,” involving collaboration with several other agencies. The primary aspects of the investigation will focus on how the incident occurred and the sequence of events leading to Kaur’s untimely death.
The Department of Labour, Skills, and Immigration of Nova Scotia has issued a directive to halt operations at the affected bakery area and the specific equipment involved pending further analysis. The inquiry comprises inputs from Occupational Health and Safety and the Nova Scotia Medical Examiner Service to determine the precise cause and manner of death.
In response to the tragedy, a Walmart spokesperson conveyed the company’s sorrow and heartbreak over the incident, emphasizing their commitment to support the workforce during this challenging time. “Our deepest thoughts are with our associates and their families,” said the spokesperson, ensuring that the welfare and emotional support of their staff are a paramount concern.
The store has remained closed for four days to allow a thorough investigation and for the staff to grieve and recover from the shocking event. Walmart has arranged for grief counseling and virtual care services for their associates to help them cope with the traumatic incident.
Walk-in ovens like the one involved are typically designed for large-scale baking operations. These units, despite their name, are not meant to be accessed while operational and are generally tightly packed with equipment and goods, which can pose serious safety risks under certain circumstances.
The local community has rallied support for Kaur’s family through a GoFundMe campaign to assist with funeral expenses and travel for family members coming from India. The crowdfunding effort quickly exceeded its initial goal, raising about $130,000 in just ten hours, a testament to the community’s solidarity and compassion in the face of such a devastating loss.
The incident has sparked a broader discussion about workplace safety and the implementation of rigorous safety protocols to prevent similar tragedies in the future. Meanwhile, the investigation continues, with authorities piecing together the events that led to a young life being cut so tragically short.