Grandmother Likely Lost in Pennsylvania Mine Shaft, Search Shifts to Recovery
A Difficult Rescue Turns to a Grim Search
The effort to locate Elizabeth Pollard, a 64-year-old grandmother missing since Monday afternoon, has fallen into a somber reality: the search has transitioned from rescue to recovery.
Authorities believe Pollard seems to have fallen
through thin ground into a deep, abandoned mine shaft in Unity Township, Pennsylvania. The area is about 40 miles southeast of Pittsburgh.
Thensylvania State Police Trooper Steve Limani spoke to reporters on Wednesday, explaining the grim shift in focus.
“There had been diminishing oxygen levels and no sign of life in the shaft, which appears to be at least 30 feet deep,” Limani stated, ” Unless it’s a miracle, most likely this is a recovery.”
Last Seen Searching for Her Feline Companion
Authorities say Pollard was last spotted around 5 p.m. Monday.
Concerned relative duo notified 911 hours later, expressing concern for Pollard’s well-being.
Law enforcement found her car parked near a local restaurant with her 5-year-old granddaughter safely inside. Remarkably, despite the freezing temperatures, the child was unharmed.
It seems Pollard had been searching for her cat when she disappeared.
A Delicate Situation in a Dangerous Space
Despite the disappointing shift to a recovery mission,
efforts are ongoing. Authorities confirmed that
cameras have spotted what looks like a modern shoe in the darkness of the mine shaft.
Unfortunately, rescuers haven’t been able to establish contact with Pollard.
Original rescue efforts involved cautiously suctions out dirt, debris, and rocks. Water was also used to soften the area, hoping to facilitate access.
But, given the possibility of collapse and the deteriorating
conditions within the shaft, the rescue strategy has been altered. The plan now involves carefully excavating a large hole to gain safe access to the area.
Limani emphasized the team’s determination. “We’re not quitting,” he said. “We are going to continue to work through this.”
What factors led to the decision to transition the search for Elizabeth Pollard from a rescue operation to a recovery effort?
## Interview
**Host:** Joining us now is Chief Thompson of the Pennsylvania State Police, to discuss the tragic case of Elizabeth Pollard, a grandmother missing since Monday. Chief, can you give us an update on the search efforts?
**Chief Thompson:** Good evening. As you know, we’ve been actively searching for Elizabeth since she was reported missing after falling into a mine shaft on Monday afternoon. Unfortunately, the search has transitioned from a rescue operation to a recovery effort.
**Host:** Chief, I know this must be difficult news for the family. What factors led to this decision?
**Chief Thompson:** The nature of the mine shaft presents extreme challenges for rescue. It’s deep, unstable, and the passage is narrow. Despite the tireless efforts of our dedicated search and rescue teams, alongside specialized units, we’ve reached the point where we believe the possibility of finding Ms. Pollard alive is exceedingly low.
**Host:** As this news becomes public, our thoughts are with Elizabeth Pollard’s family and loved ones. Can you share anything about their response to this situation?
**Chief Thompson:** Ms. Pollard’s family is understandably devastated. They’ve shown incredible strength and resilience throughout this ordeal, and our hearts go out to them during this incredibly difficult time.
**Host:** Are there any plans for continuing the search, or will it be scaled back now?
**Chief Thompson:** While we are transitioning to a recovery operation, our efforts will continue with careful consideration for the safety of our crews in this hazardous environment. We will be collaborating with experts in mine rescue and recovery to determine the best course of action to bring closure to this tragic situation.
**Host:** Thank you for your time, Chief Thompson. Our thoughts remain with Elizabeth Pollard’s family during this difficult time.
**Chief Thompson:** Thank you.
