An extensive search operation is currently underway for a 64-year-old woman, Elizabeth Pollard, who is believed to have potentially fallen into a sinkhole while on the lookout for her missing cat in Unity Township, Westmoreland County. According to a report from WPXI, Pennsylvania State Police were alerted to her disappearance after receiving a call around 1 a.m. from family members concerned about her whereabouts.
The missing grandmother's vehicle was discovered parked behind Monday's Union Restaurant shortly before 3 a.m., with her 5-year-old granddaughter safely inside. The State Police found a sinkhole surrounding the car, promptly initiating search and rescue efforts to try and locate Pollard quickly. The last known sighting of her was roughly around 5 p.m. yesterday near the restaurant, a detail highlighted by witnesses who saw her searching for her cat, named Pepper.
State police spokesperson Steve Limani provided details regarding the precarious location, indicating that the region where Pollard went missing is potentially an old coal mine. Given this information, crews are equipped with tools to remove water, dirt, and debris to facilitate a more thorough investigation of the sinkhole. As of the current efforts, there has been no communication with Pollard.
Further emphasizing the search operation's scale, WTAE reported that approximately 100 people have actively participated in the rescue mission. Officials state that the sinkhole is estimated to be around 30 feet deep, prompting a highly coordinated response from emergency crews.
