Sumeg, Hungary (CNN) -- Emergency crews in Hungary were working Thursday to contain one million cubic meters of toxic red mud before it leaks into the Danube -- the continent's second largest river -- and spreads into neighboring countries.
By Thursday, the wave of sludge had reached the Raba river, which empties into the Danube. It flowed from an alumina plant reservoir that burst Monday.
It was expected to show up in the Danube as soon as this weekend, said Imre Szakacs, head of Gyor-Moson-Sopron County's defense authority. His comments were reported by MTI, Hungary's official news agency.
It contains heavy metals, which causes burns and eye irritation, he said.
Hungarian officials have expressed confidence that they will contain the sludge before it enters the Danube, but they have not said what the environmental implications are.
CNN
