Update: Police have confirmed the 19-year-old died in a walk-in oven. More details here.
Officials with Halifax Regional Police and Walmart Canada are remaining tight-lipped on what exactly happened after an employee — a 19-year-old woman — died at a Walmart in Halifax over the weekend.
Police were first called to a Walmart on Mumford Road on Saturday at around 9:30 p.m. for a report of a “sudden death.”
In an update on Monday, the force said a 19-year-old woman, who was employed at the store, was found dead.
Police did not release further details on the circumstances surrounding the death but said investigators are working closely with occupational health and safety as well as Nova Scotia’s medical examiner to determine the “cause and manner of the death.”
Multiple sources have told Global News the incident involves a large baking oven that was on at the time.
Walmart Canada, nor police will confirm any details surrounding what transpired, including about an oven or where the woman was found, to Global News.
A spokesperson for Walmart said it was working with police and “out of respect for the associate and their family, we cannot provide any additional information.”
“We can’t confirm or share any additional details outside of our statement at this time,” Walmart said when asked in a follow-up about the large scale oven.
Walmart confirmed that it will not be open to the public on Monday and did not provide a date of when the store would reopen.
The store was closed on Sunday, and is shuttered to customers again for another day on Monday.
On Monday, a police cruiser remained at the scene as yellow caution tape had been erected in front of the Walmart. A “sorry, we’re closed” sign had also been put up. Security personnel were seen at the Walmart, turning customers away who showed up to shop at the store.
The previous day, police were requesting people stay away from the area while they conducted their investigation. Multiple police cars remained at the Walmart throughout the day on Sunday.
“We are heartbroken and our deepest thoughts are with our associate and their family. We extend our sincerest condolences to those who were closest to them,” the Walmart spokesperson said. “We’re 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 counselling.”
The Maritime Sikh Society has told Global News the 19-year-old victim was a member of the Sikh community and that they will work to support the family in any way they can.