The tragic death of Gursimran Kaur, a 19-year-old employee at Walmart in Halifax, Nova Scotia, Canada, has left her family, colleagues, and the local community in mourning. As questions linger about the circumstances of her death, Walmart has confirmed that it is removing the commercial bakery oven where Kaur’s body was discovered on October 19. Despite some procedural developments, key details surrounding this incident remain unanswered, fueling community concerns and family frustration.

What Happened at Walmart Halifax on October 19?

The tragic discovery of Kaur’s body in the commercial bakery oven has stunned the Halifax community. Kaur’s mother, who also works at the same Walmart, found her daughter in the oven that day.

This devastating event led to an immediate investigation by Halifax Regional Police and the Nova Scotia Department of Labour, Skills, and Immigration, who later placed a stop-work order on the store’s bakery and the oven in question.

In the days following Kaur’s death, the Department of Labour issued a stop-work order on October 22, halting bakery operations and the use of the oven.

The order, which was lifted on October 28, required Walmart to comply with specific safety measures. “Compliance was confirmed,” according to a department representative, allowing the bakery area to reopen. However, the details of what was reviewed or changed have not been disclosed.

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Is Walmart Removing the Commercial Oven Permanently?

Walmart confirmed that the oven, which had been flagged in the stop-work order, will no longer be used and is set for removal.

Amanda Moss, a Walmart spokesperson, stated, “This is an extremely sad and difficult situation.” Moss explained that removing the oven was already part of a nationwide remodel program that Walmart had planned. “Now that the stop-work order has been lifted by the Department of Labour, the oven will be removed from this store and will no longer be used,” she said.

How Has the Community Responded to Kaur’s Death?

The local community has expressed deep sadness and solidarity with Kaur’s family. A candlelight vigil, held by the Maritime Sikh Society outside the Walmart store, paid tribute to Kaur, who was described as a “gentle spirit.” The society also organized a fundraising campaign, which successfully raised about $190,000 to assist the family in bringing Kaur’s father and brother from India to Halifax.

“They are in a terrible situation,” said Rimple Dhunna, a local realtor who has been closely supporting Kaur’s family. “Her daughter died, and they did not even get any response from the police or any investigating officer (regarding) what’s going on, how did that happen, all those questions. They are devastated.”

What Progress Has Been Made in the Police Investigation?

Despite the passage of several weeks, Halifax Regional Police have remained reticent about the specifics of their investigation. Police spokesperson Const. Martin Cromwell stated, “The investigation is still open, and our investigators are diligently working on this matter.” As of now, no further details have been shared with the public, and authorities have not indicated whether they suspect an accident or another cause of death.

Why Hasn’t Walmart Halifax Reopened Yet?

While Walmart initially indicated that the Mumford Road location would remain closed for at least another week after Kaur’s death, no definitive reopening date has been announced. In a message to employees, Walmart confirmed that the store closure would continue until further notice. This delay reflects ongoing investigations and Walmart’s commitment to handling the situation with care.

How Long Could the Investigation Take?

Workplace incidents involving fatalities often require extensive time for investigation. According to the Department of Labour’s website, cases of this nature can take up to two years to complete. A department spokesperson, Sarah MacNeil, reiterated that the probe remains active and that “we won’t be able to release any details like that at this time where it’s still an ongoing investigation.”

With information from National Post y CBC