Authorities in Pennsylvania are searching for a grandmother, 64-year-old Elizabeth Pollard, who may have fallen into a sinkhole while looking for her missing cat.
The search began early Tuesday morning after a call came in at 1 a.m. about Pollard’s disappearance. She had left her home on Monday to search for her cat and was last seen around 5 p.m. in Marguerite, a community about 40 miles southeast of Pittsburgh, which is known for old mines.
Pollard’s car was found around 3 a.m. Tuesday, and inside was her 5-year-old granddaughter, who was safely reunited with her parents. Thankfully, the child was unharmed.
A sinkhole, about the size of a manhole, was discovered nearby. Authorities believe the sinkhole appeared as Pollard was walking in the area.
Emergency responders are working hard to locate her. Due to the unstable ground around the sinkhole, it has been difficult to approach, but some responders have tried using a ladder and harness to look inside. However, they have not been able to see Pollard.
Specialized rescue teams and equipment have been brought to help. Local officials have made a disaster emergency declaration to get the necessary tools and resources for the search.
Authorities are hopeful and asking the public to keep Pollard and her family in their thoughts and prayers, hoping this search turns into a rescue mission.