A deadly rush at the Spain-Morocco border has left at least 18 migrants dead as thousands attempted to enter Spain’s North African enclave of Ceuta.
Authorities said many of the victims drowned while trying to swim across from Morocco, while others died during a stampede near the border fence at Tarajal beach.
A police source told journalists that officials were still unable to confirm how many people successfully crossed into Ceuta after a large overnight movement of migrants.
The surge, which involved young men as well as women and children, saw large crowds gather along coastal routes in attempts to reach the Spanish territory.
Spain’s Interior Ministry estimates that about 49,000 migrants entered Ceuta within a 24-hour period through sea and land routes.
Following the incident, the Spanish government announced plans to deploy soldiers to support border security operations. Prime Minister Pedro Sánchez is also expected to visit the enclave.
Ceuta and Melilla, another Spanish territory in North Africa, remain major routes for migrants seeking entry into Europe.
