Search Continues for Missing Grandmother in Pennsylvania Sinkhole
Authorities in southwestern Pennsylvania are intensifying their search for 64-year-old Elizabeth Pollard, who went missing after reportedly falling into a sinkhole while searching for her lost cat. The incident occurred in Marguerite, an area known for its history of coal mining, where a sinkhole suddenly appeared near the location of her parked vehicle. Pollard's five-year-old granddaughter was found safe inside the car, having waited for her grandmother for nearly 12 hours in freezing temperatures.
The Pennsylvania State Police received a call around 1 a.m. on Tuesday from a family member concerned about Pollard's whereabouts. She was last seen around 5 p.m. on Monday, and her disappearance prompted a swift response from local authorities. Upon discovering her vehicle near a restaurant and the newly formed sinkhole just steps away, police recognized the gravity of the situation. Trooper Steve Limani remarked, "At that point, we realized this could be a very bad situation."
Rescue teams have been utilizing specialized equipment, including cameras and sound-detecting devices, to explore the depths of the sinkhole, which is estimated to be 15 to 20 feet deep. They have reported finding what appears to be a modern shoe approximately 30 feet below the surface, raising hopes that Pollard may still be alive within the void. Chief John Bacha of the Pleasant Valley Volunteer Fire Department noted the challenges posed by the sinkhole's unstable structure, stating, "We couldn't even get close enough to the hole because of the way it was undermined."
Despite the difficulties, authorities remain committed to the search efforts, which have included excavation crews and specialized rescue teams. Limani expressed the need for luck in the ongoing operation, emphasizing that the hole still has oxygen and is warmer than the frigid conditions outside. The search will continue as long as necessary, with hopes of bringing Elizabeth Pollard home safely.
