UNITY TOWNSHIP, Pa. (KDKA) — The abandoned mine where search and rescue operations are underway Finding a missing woman who fell through a sinkhole is compromised and unsafe, Pennsylvania State Police said Wednesday.
Pennsylvania State Police Trooper Steve Limani said early Wednesday that the abandoned mine is in Unity Township where rescue crews are working to locate 64-year-old Elizabeth Pollard It becomes dangerous for other possible mine subsidence.
Pollard has been missing for more than a day and is believed to have fallen into the sinkhole of an abandoned mine during a search for a missing cat along Marguerite Road, not far from Monday’s Union Restaurant.
Limani said Wednesday that the cold water experts and engineers use to flush dirt from the mine is endangering the mine’s integrity.
“We have to be very careful with the water problems that we have experienced,” Limani said. Experts say the abandoned mine has been in disrepair for some time.
Limani said authorities are still treating the search for Pollard as a rescue mission and are still hoping she will be found.
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“Until I’m told this can’t happen, I don’t believe in that,” Limani said.
“It may seem bleak, but deep in my heart we are trying to find her, but mine is very unsafe,” Limani added. “We’re going to keep going. We’re not going to stop. We might just 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 include much more digging and placing supports to support the mine’s structure.
There is a massive search and rescue effort underway in Unity Township
At one point, more than 100 people had arrived on the scene to assist in the massive search and rescue efforts.
Crews worked Tuesday to widen the hole and eventually brought people into the mine area. What appeared to be a shoe was located while crews were setting up cameras and microphones underground, but have not seen or heard Pollard yet.
Pleasant Unity Volunteer Fire Chief John Bacha said there is still reason to be optimistic as oxygen levels underground have been “perfect,” with no carbon monoxide or explosive gases in the atmosphere.
Authorities said the temperature inside the mine is warmer than the air outside and estimated it was around 50 degrees Tuesday afternoon, much warmer than the freezing temperatures above ground.
Limani said Pollard’s family is understandably “having a hard time.”
Elizabeth Pollard’s son, Axel Hayes, spoke Tuesday evening about his mother’s disappearance, saying he has experienced many emotions but hopes rescuers will find Pollard alive.
