911 Audio Reveals Late 19-Year-Old Walmart Employee Was 'Trapped' In Powered Walk-In Oven

The 19-year-old Walmart employee who died over the weekend was trapped in a walk-in oven while the power was on.

According to a chilling 911 audio, the dispatch officer described the unfolding tragedy as a "technical rescue call." The incident occurred at the retail store's bakery section in Halifax, Canada.

Authorities have launched an investigation into the teenager's death, but updates have yet to be given. In a press release earlier this week, the Halifax Regional Police implored the public to refrain from spreading speculations on social media.

The 911 call captured a dispatch officer describing the incident to first responders, noting the 19-year-old was trapped inside a walk-in oven in the Walmart bakery section. They stated the situation was a "technical rescue call," saying:

"Female is locked in an oven in the bakery. Oven is on, unsure if the staff are able to turn it off."

A first responder later asked, "The person trapped in the [oven] — do we have the powers off for that? Does the staff want to turn the power off? … In case we do make contact."

When first responders arrived, they told dispatch the employee "was out of the oven." Unfortunately, she died on the scene. The Daily Mail reported the 19-year-old arrived in Canada within the last three years and was linked to the Maritime Sikh Society.

The Halifax Regional Police announced the tragedy in a press release on Monday, October 21. The Blast reported that they revealed the incident had occurred on Saturday night around 9:30 p.m. local time.

"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 deceased," the press release noted, adding:

"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 an update on Tuesday, the Halifax Regional Police stressed that it was too early to understand what happened to the Walmart employee. They implied the situation was challenging, stating:

"The investigation is complex and involves several partner agencies. An investigation of this nature may take a significant amount of time."

Given the sensitive situation, authorities implored the public to respect the deceased's privacy. Although the late employee's identity was not released, they warned people against spreading speculations on social media.

"Please be aware of the impacts that speculation could have on family, colleagues, and loved ones of the woman," their plea read. Constable Martin Cromwell echoed similar sentiments to reporters, noting:

"We just want to encourage the public to be patient with our investigation and be mindful that there is family members and co-workers involved."

Following the tragic incident, many agencies have expressed their condolences. Satnam Singh Randhawa, chair of the Maritime Sikh Society board, addressed the 19-year-old's death in a statement, noting:

"It's pretty distressing, you know, young people come here with all kinds of hopes and dreams, and they're working hard, and then this is what happens."

Nova Scotia's Department of Labour, Skills and Immigration also shared their condolences in a statement, reading: "We extend sympathies to the employee's family at this incredibly difficult time."

"We can confirm a stop work order was issued October 22 for the bakery and one piece of equipment at Walmart at 6990 Mumford Road, Halifax," they continued, adding:

"As this is an active investigation, we cannot release further details at this time. Please note, workplace investigations are complex and can take time."

Walmart's spokesperson Amanda Moss addressed the 19-year-old's death in a statement on Wednesday, October 23. She revealed the staff were "heartbroken" by the incident, noting:

"Our deepest thoughts are with our associate and their family. 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," Moss added.

As authorities continue to investigate the incident, may the late Walmart employee's loved ones find the strength to overcome their grief.