Walmart worker ‘burned to death’ in oven at Canadian store

It’s been revealed a mother discovered her own daughter’s charred remains at a supermarket they both worked at.

A supermarket worker “burned to death” in a commercial oven while on shift at a store in Canada has been identified, as police investigate how the horrific workplace death could happen.

Gursimran Kaur, 19, worked at a Walmart in Halifax, Nova Scotia alongside her mother, who found Gursimram’s charred remains last Saturday night, local time.

Ms Kaur had only been in the country for a few years having moved from India, according to a GoFundMe page which has raised almost CA$158,500 (AU$172,300).

“Gursimran and her mother both worked at Walmart for last two years,” the page started by a local Sikh community organisation says.

Gursimran Kaur died iin the horrific event.

“In that evening, like any watchful mother who breathes for her child’s happiness, Gursimran’s mother tried to locate her after not seeing for one hour.”

After being unable to reach Ms Kaur on her phone, which was “unusual” during the day, the mother “started panicking”.

“As you all know now, her charred remains were found inside the walk in oven in the Bakery after a few hours,” the page says.

“Imagine the horror that her mother experienced who herself opened the oven, when someone pointed out to it.”

The Walmart store remained closed for several days. Picture: Darren Calabrese/The Canadian Press via AP

A harrowing 911 call has been released by authorities in which a dispatcher directs emergency services to the store on Mumford Rd.

“Female is locked in an oven in the bakery. Oven is on,” the dispatcher says.

“Unsure if the staff are able to turn it off.”

The horrific incident has generated an outpouring of support in the local community, in Canada’s east, with many offering condolences on the fundraiser.

“I think this should be left open. No one should ever die at work, and no one should ever see their child in that state,” Shara Cody wrote.

Erin Schulthies said: “This tragedy is horrific, keep your hands open and we will fill them. You deserve everything you need to cope with this. Sending all my love.”

There has been an outpouring of support. Picture: Darren Calabrese/The Canadian Press via AP

It remains unclear how the young woman ended up trapped in the oven, which was large enough for a person to walk into.

CBC reports sources have said the oven does not lock.

“This investigation is a very complex investigation,” Constable Martin Cromwell said in a press conference this week.

“We’re working with occupational health and safety, (and) Nova Scotia medical examiners to determine the cause and manner of death.”

The store remained closed for several days as police scoured the scene.

The Nova Scotia Department of Labour imposed a stop work order for the bakery and one piece of Walmart equipment.

Walmart’s senior manager of communications Amanda Moss said: “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,” she said.

The fundraiser said the money would be used to bring Ms Kaur’s family from India to grieve.

“Both Gursimran’s father and brother are in India and we are trying to get them here as soon as possible,” it 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.”