Teen employee found dead in bakery's walk-in oven as investigation launched

An investigation is underway after a teenager was found dead inside a walk-in bakery oven at a Canadian supermarket where she was an employee, according to police.

The woman, who has since been identified as 19-year-old Gursimran Kaur, was burned to death at the Walmart Bakery location at 6990 Mumford Road in Halifax, Nova Scotia, on October 19.

In a statement, Halifax Regional Police (HRP) said they were called to a 'sudden death' at the premises at around 9.30pm last Saturday.

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Upon arrival, police located a woman inside of a large walk-in oven belonging to the store’s bakery department.

Police have not said whether they believe the circumstances of the Kaur’s death were criminal in nature. Police said the matter is still under investigation and that it would be "complex" and involve "several partner agencies."

Investigators are "working closely with Occupational Health and Safety and the Nova Scotia Medical Examiner Service to determine the cause and manner of death."

In a statement, a Walmart spokesperson said staff were "heartbroken" over the tragedy and their thoughts are with the woman's family.

"Our deepest thoughts are with our associate and their family," Amanda Moss said. "Our focus remains on taking care of our associates and making sure they have the support they need. As police have stated, this is a very complex matter and the investigation is ongoing. Our store will be closed until further notice."

Kaur and her mother, who are originally from India, have been employees at the Walmart store for the past two years.

The woman’s mother was also working on the night of October 19 and she grew concerned when she hadn’t seen her daughter for more than an hour and couldn’t reach her by phone.

She started searching the store for her daughter and eventually found her in the oven.

A GoFundMe page has been set up to help support the teenager's family and has raised over $194,900 (€129,877) at the time of writing.

The funds will be used to help the family with funeral expenses and costs associated with bringing Kaur’s family, particularly her father and brother, over from India.

"Both Gursimran's father and brother are in India and we are trying to get them here as soon as possible," a message posted on the fundraising page stated.

"This family's sufferings are unimaginable and indescribable. They need your support to get through this horrific time.

"Please donate to help this family in this difficult time. The entirety of the funds will directly benefit the bereaved family."

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