Walmart Canada says one of its stores in Halifax is “closed until further notice” after a 19-year-old woman who worked there died at the site over the weekend.
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.
Halifax Regional Police are investigating a sudden death at the Walmart on Mumford Road where they were called to at around 9:30 p.m. on Saturday.
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.
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The store was closed on Sunday, and is shuttered to customers again for another day on Monday.
Caution tape, a sign that says ‘sorry, we’re closed’ in front of at a Walmart in Halifax on Oct. 21, 2024.
Ella MacDonald / Global News
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.
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 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 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.”
HRM police officers stand outside of the Walmart located on Mumford Rd, Halifax (Oct. 20, 2024).
Global News
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