Urgent Search for Woman Feared Trapped in Pennsylvania Sinkhole After Cat Rescue Attempt
December 3, 2024Fire Chief Scot Graham, the incident commander, highlighted the complexity and danger of the operation, noting that the ground beneath the sinkhole is unpredictable.
Authorities are actively searching for 64-year-old Elizabeth Pollard, who went missing in Marguerite, Pennsylvania, while searching for her cat, with concerns that she may have fallen into a newly formed sinkhole.
Over 100 first responders, including search and rescue teams, have been deployed to the scene, and a vacuum truck has been brought in to assist with debris removal.
Unity Township officials have declared a disaster emergency to expedite access to necessary equipment for the ongoing rescue efforts.
Local officials, including Pennsylvania State Police spokesman Steve Limani, emphasize that the rescue efforts are ongoing and intensifying, with a focus on finding Pollard alive.
Rescue teams are using water to break down clay and dirt in the sinkhole, which has been closed since the 1950s, while winter weather is expected to complicate recovery efforts.
Pollard's family, including her niece Tabitha Pollard, is urging the public to keep them in their prayers as they navigate this challenging situation.
As a safety precaution during the search efforts, crews are pumping oxygen into the sinkhole.
Local construction teams are assisting in excavation efforts, as the area has a history of mining and related sinkhole occurrences.
Despite the challenges, searchers remain committed to continuing their efforts, expressing a sense of loss over the situation.
Pleasant Unity Fire Chief John Bacha reported that oxygen levels in the sinkhole are adequate, which is a positive sign for Pollard's potential survival.
Rescue teams plan to widen the surface hole in the coming days, but the outlook for finding Pollard alive remains grim.
Summary based on 54 sources
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Sources
The Guardian • Dec 4, 2024
Missing woman looking for cat may have fallen into sinkhole, police fearYahoo News • Dec 3, 2024
Rescue efforts underway for woman who may have fallen into sinkhole while looking for catTime • Dec 4, 2024
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