The oven at a Walmart store where a 19-year-old woman died in horrific circumstances could not be locked, sources claim.
Canada’s national broadcaster CBC News They said their sources had told them the device at the Halifax store “was not locked.”
That raises disturbing new questions about the Oct. 19 death, and previous reports highlighted a 911 call that said the woman was trapped in the oven.
The victim, whose name has not been identified, emigrated from India to Canada about three years ago. Police are continuing to investigate, but there is still no suggestion that the woman was the victim of a crime.
Mourners have flocked to the hypermarket since the tragedy, laying flowers and paying tribute to the victim and his family.
Mourners have flocked to the hypermarket since the tragedy, laying flowers and paying tribute to the victim and his family.
Conspiracy theories about what happened to him have swept the internet, along with unverified reports about his identity.
But investigators have urged people not to speculate, while the victim’s family has asked for privacy.
The young woman had arrived in Canada only three years earlier and had formed close ties with the Maritime Sikh Society.
“It is quite distressing considering that young people come here with hopes and dreams,” said Satnam Singh Randhawa, a board member.
“They’re working hard and this is what happens.”
While the exact brand of oven involved in the incident has yet to be revealed, other Walmart stores in the United States are known to have Baxter ovens (pictured) installed.
Singh expects a church service to be held in Halifax after the woman’s body is released by the medical examiner, who is still determining the official cause of her death. The photo shows an altar in the victim’s temple.
The oven was industrial and large enough for one person to enter.
Police told the publication that the young woman was working the day of the tragedy. Officers are no longer at the scene, but an investigation is still underway.
The Nova Scotia Department of Labor has since issued a “stop work order” for the bakery itself, as well as a piece of Walmart equipment. They have not specified which team is under that order.
Balbir Singh, secretary of the Sikh Maritime 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 church service to be held in Halifax after the woman’s body is released by the medical examiner, who is still determining the official cause of her death.
A harrowing audio of the emergency services dispatch call has since been released, detailing the tragedy that is unfolding to the first responders.
The dispatch officer said there was a “woman locked in an oven at the bakery.”
‘The oven is on. I’m not sure if the staff can turn it off.
Police told the publication that the young woman was working the day of the tragedy. Officers are no longer on scene, but an investigation is still underway.
The teen was working at the Halifax store in Nova Scotia when she became trapped inside an oven at the bakery on Saturday night.
When first responders arrived at the scene, they told dispatch that the woman “was out of the oven.”
She died at the scene.
Martin Cromwell, a Halifax police officer, 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 keep in mind that there are family members and co-workers involved.”
Walmart Canada said they were “heartbroken and our deepest thoughts are with our associate and his family.” We extend our deepest condolences to those who were closest to them.’
Staff hired to work this week will continue to receive their pay despite the store closures. The store will remain closed until further notice.
A dispatch officer described the unfolding tragedy to first responders and revealed that there was a “woman locked in an oven in the bakery.”
The statement continued: “We are also supporting our associates 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 located at 6990 Mumford Road. A 19-year-old woman employed at the store was found dead.
‘Investigators are working closely with Occupational Health and Safety and the Nova Scotia Coroner’s Service to determine the cause and manner of death.
“The investigation is in the early stages and no further details are available at this time.”