Deadly sludge escape kills three in western Hungary

Emergency services in Hungary are trying to stop a torrent of toxic red sludge flowing into major waterways, including the River Danube. A state of emergency has been declared in three western counties after the chemical waste burst from a reservoir at an alumina plant. So far at least four people have died and 120 injured. Six more are missing.



At least seven villages and towns are affected including Devecser, where the torrent stood 2m (6.5ft) deep. The flood swept cars from roads and damaged bridges and houses, forcing the evacuation of hundreds of residents. The sludge is said to contain caustic material and to be toxic if ingested.

While the cause of the deaths has not been established officially, it is believed the victims probably drowned. Some 600,000-700,000 cubic metres (21m-24m cubic feet) of sludge escaped from the plant, 160km (100 miles) from the capital, Budapest. With 7,000 people affected directly by the disaster, a state of emergency was declared in the county of Veszprem where the spill occurred, and Gyor-Moson-Sopron and Vas, where the sludge appeared to be heading.



At least 390 residents have been relocated and 110 rescued from flooded areas, Hungary's National Directorate General for Disaster Management (NDGDM) said. Nearly 500 police officers and soldiers, including six emergency detection teams, have been deployed. Plaster has been poured into the Marcal river in a bid to bind the sludge and stop further flooding.

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