Elizabeth Pollard, a grandmother residing in Unity Township, Pennsylvania, was reported missing on Tuesday, December 3. As the authorities continue their search for the missing woman, some fear that she might have fallen into a sinkhole.
What happened to Elizabeth Pollard?
People last saw Pollard at 5 p.m. on Monday before she reportedly disappeared after going out to look for her missing cat. A family member called the authorities shortly before 1 a.m. on Tuesday to file a missing report. The local police subsequently arrived and began looking for her. They found her vehicle parked near the Monday’s Union Restaurant sometime before 3 p.m. Her 5-year-old granddaughter was in there, but there was no sign of the 64-year-old woman.
However, there was a newly formed sinkhole nearby, which made the authorities believe that she might have fallen in there. The rescue efforts have been going on since then, but there are no signs of Pollard.
Trooper Steve Limani expressed hope that Pollard could be in an air pocket, citing other instances in the area where miners survived circumstances similar to this.
Limani also speculated on how the incident might have occurred. “It appears that it was most likely created during the time while, unfortunately, Ms. Pollard was walking around,” he said. “We’re hoping everyone keeps their family in their prayers, that this ends up being a rescue mission, and that’s how we’re going to continue to conduct ourselves.” (via The New York Times)
It wasn’t initially deduced that Pollard had fallen into the sinkhole. But rescuers discovered a shoe that looked “modern” while investigating the hole with a camera. The sinkhole is located in the coal mining community of Marguerite, and the shoe didn’t seem like it had been there since these sections of the mines were active.
Limani revealed that the rescue workers had managed to reach the mining area, and unless there were serious safety concerns the search for Pollard would continue. “It’s heartbreaking for her family and everyone here. But we’re not stopping. We’re all hoping for a miracle,” he said.
