Hungary opens criminal probe into toxic sludge

Hungary opened a criminal probe into the toxic sludge flood Wednesday while the European Union and environmental groups warned the disaster could spread down the Danube Riverand have long-term consequences for a half-dozen nations.

Hundreds of people had to be evacuated afterariver of red toxic waste, estimated to be one million cubic metres, poured through their towns Monday. The flood happened whena reservoir burst at an alumina refining plant in Ajka, about 160 kilometres southwest of Budapest.

At least fourpeople aredead, six are missing and more than 100 are injured. Emergency crews are trying to contain the damage as the sludge, which is still up to a metre thick in some locations, poured through several towns.

Police spokeswoman Monika Benyi told The Associated Press the decision by National Police Chief Jozsef Hatala to take over the probe reflects the importance and the complexity of the sludge disaster. She said a criminal case had been opened into possible on-the-job carelessness.

The huge reservoir was no longer leaking Wednesdayand Interior Minister Sandor Pinter said guards have been posted at the site ready to give early warning in case of any new emergency.

Henk Hirs, a Budapest-based journalist, told CBC News thatemergency workers are trying to stop the sludge from getting to the Danube River. They're building temporary barriers, so they can slow down the sludge enough to scoop out as much as possible.

The idea is that the toxic sludge will dilute enough so that by the time it arrives into the Danube on the weekend, it won't be harmful anymore, Hirs said.

However, the heavy metal that is also part of the sludge will sink to the bottom of the river and pose a long-term, though not immediate problem, he added.

The flood of sludge, a mix of water and mining waste, affected thousands of people in at least seven towns.

Hirs said the mayor ofone small village near the reservoirhas said that between 80 and 90 per cent of his community members don't want to return to the village because they worry a flood will happen again.

Police said investigators are trying to determine what caused the reservoir to burst.

Cleanup could take a year

Hungary has declared a state of emergency in at least three counties as teams try to deal with the massive spill and keep it from flowing into the Danube River.

Environment Minister Zoltan Illes told the BBC that the spill is Hungary's worst chemical accident. Hetold the broadcasterthe country may need assistance from the European Union as it moves forward with the cleanup, which could take up toa year.

Joe Hennon, an EU spokesman, said Wednesday that the EU stands ready to help if the disaster grows.

"We are concerned, not just for the environment in Hungary, but this could potentially cross borders," Hennon said.