UNITY TOWNSHIP, Pa. (KDKA) — The abandoned mine where search and rescue efforts are underway Finding a missing woman who fell into a sinkhole is becoming compromised and dangerous, Pennsylvania State Police said Wednesday.
Pennsylvania State Police Trooper Steve Limani said Wednesday morning that the abandoned mine in Unity Township, where rescue crews are located, working to locate Elizabeth Pollard, 64 becomes dangerous for other potential mine subsidences.
Pollard has been missing for more than a day now and reportedly fell into the sinkhole connected to an abandoned mine while searching for a missing cat along Marguerite Road, not far from Monday’s Union Restaurant.
Limani said Wednesday that the cold water that experts and engineers use to help remove dirt from the mine endangers the integrity of the mine.
“We have to be very careful about the water problems we are having,” Limani said. Experts say the abandoned mine has been deteriorating for a long time.
Limani said authorities still view the search for Pollard as a rescue mission and still hold out hope that she will be found.
KDKA drone team
“Until I’m told it can’t happen, I don’t believe it,” Limani said.
“It may sound dark, but deep in my heart we are trying to find her, but mine is very dangerous,” Limani added. “We’re going to keep going. We’re not stopping. We might have to shift gears, so it might be a little slower than people might think.”
Limani said experts and engineers have a plan that will involve digging much deeper and putting supports in place to help support the mine structure.
Massive search and rescue efforts underway in Unity Township
At one point, more than 100 people had responded to the scene to assist in the massive search and rescue efforts.
Crews worked on widening the hole Tuesday and were finally able to get people into the mine area. What appeared to be a shoe was located as crews set up cameras and microphones underground, but they have yet to see or hear from Pollard.
Pleasant Unity Volunteer Fire Department Chief John Bacha said there is still reason for optimism because oxygen levels underground have been “perfect,” with no carbon monoxide or explosive gases in the atmosphere.
Authorities said the temperature in the mine was warmer than the air outside, estimating it to be around 50 degrees Tuesday afternoon, far warmer than the freezing temperatures above ground.
Limani said Pollard’s family was “understandably struggling.”
Elizabeth Pollard’s son, Axel Hayes, spoke about his mother’s disappearance Tuesday night, saying he has been going through a lot of emotions, but hopes first responders will find Pollard alive.
