At least four dead in toxic chemical flood in Hungary

At least four dead in toxic chemical flood in Hungary

2010-10-05 19:34:05 GMT+7 (ICT)

BUDAPEST, HUNGARY (BNO NEWS) -- At least four people have died, including a three-month child, after a dam burst in the western region of Hungary, flooding the area with a toxic red mud, local media said Tuesday.

The red chemical sludge from the damaged reservoir of a nearby alumina factory flooded the village of Kolontar on Monday afternoon, and on Tuesday, the mud still stood up to 2 meters high in several areas. Around 230 houses and 19 streets were affected by the chemical sludge.

According to the local mayor, Karoly Tily, all four victims were Kolontar residents. Rescue efforts continue their search for another four people who have been reported missing.

Tamas Toldi, mayor of Devecser, a nearby town, said up to 90 people had been taken to hospitals to be treated after suffering from chemical burns.

In order to neutralize the alkalic chemical sludge, the disaster management reportedly poured acidic liquid in the Marcal River in three different locations.

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