Abandoned mine at the heart of search for woman who fell through a sinkhole is becoming unsafe, police say
UPDATE: For more updates on Wednesday's search and rescue efforts in Unity Township, Westmoreland County, click here.
UNITY TOWNSHIP, Pa. (KDKA) -- The abandoned mine where search and rescue efforts are underway to find a missing woman who fell through a sinkhole is becoming compromised and unsafe, Pennsylvania State Police said Wednesday.
Pennsylvania State Police Trooper Steve Limani said early Wednesday that the abandoned mine in Unity Township where rescue crews are working to locate 64-year-old Elizabeth Pollard is becoming dangerous for other potential mine subsidence to take place.
Pollard has been missing for more than a day now and is believed to have fallen into the sinkhole connected to an abandoned mine while out 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 are using to help flush dirt out of the mine is causing distress on the integrity of the mine.
"We have to be very careful with the water issues we've been experiencing," Limani said. Experts say the abandoned mine has been deteriorating for a long period of time.
Limani said authorities are still considering the search for Pollard to be a rescue mission and is still holding out hope that she will be found.
"Until I'm told it can't happen, I don't believe in that," Limani said.
"It might seem bleak, but in my heart of hearts, we're pushing forward to try and find her, but that mine is very unsafe," Limani added. "We're gonna continue. We're not stopping. We just might have to switch gears, so it might be a little slower than people might think."
Limani said experts and engineers have a plan that will consist of a lot more digging and putting supports in place to help support the mine's structure.
Massive search and rescue effort underway in Unity Township
At one point, more than 100 people had responded to the scene to assist in the massive search and rescue effort.
Crews worked on widening the hole Tuesday and eventually got people down into the mine area. What appeared to be shoe was located while crews were putting cameras and mics underground, but they haven't seen or heard Pollard as of yet.
Pleasant Unity Volunteer Fire Department Chief John Bacha said there is still reason to be optimistic, however, as oxygen levels underground have been "perfect," with no carbon monoxide or explosive gases in the atmosphere.
Authorities said the temperature in the mine is warmer than the outside air, estimating it was around 50 degrees Tuesday afternoon, much warmer than freezing temperatures above ground.
Limani said Pollard's family is understandably "having a rough go with it."
Elizabeth Pollard's son, Axel Hayes, spoke about his mother's disappearance on Tuesday evening, saying he has gone through many emotions, but hopes first responders find Pollard alive.
