Body of Missing Woman Identified After Sinkhole Incident in Pennsylvania
UNITY TOWNSHIP, Pa. — Authorities confirmed on Friday that the body of Elizabeth Pollard, a 64-year-old woman who went missing after falling into a sinkhole while searching for her cat, has been recovered. Pollard’s body was located approximately 30 feet below the surface and 12 feet from the original collapse site, following an arduous search effort that spanned several days.
Pollard disappeared Monday evening, and her car was discovered early Tuesday parked behind Monday’s Union Restaurant. Inside was her 5-year-old granddaughter, who was found cold but unharmed. As search teams scoured the area, they identified a sinkhole that likely opened during Pollard’s search for her pet.
The recovery operation, which involved more than two dozen fire departments and construction teams, lasted around 80 hours. Pennsylvania State Police Trooper Steve Limani reported that rescuers initially hoped for a successful outcome but later shifted to a recovery phase. The incident commander highlighted the safety risks posed by the unstable mine structure, necessitating the use of heavy machinery for the recovery.
Engineers from the mining division are set to begin stabilizing the abandoned mine to prevent further collapses, as this area is known for such hazards. The Pennsylvania Department of Environmental Protection is involved, planning emergency reclamation work.
Unity Township Supervisor Mike O’Barto expressed community sorrow over the tragedy, and Pollard’s family has requested privacy as they make funeral arrangements. As the investigation continues, concerns linger about additional mine-related incidents, with Pollard’s lost cat, Pepper, remaining missing.
Community members are urged to report any signs of ground depression to the Bureau of Abandoned Mine Reclamation.
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