Death Toll Rises After Mass Migrant Rush From Morocco Into Spain

More than 50,000 people crossed into Spain by land and sea in an unprecedented surge that began July 30 at one of the European Union's only two land borders with Africa.

The death toll from a mass rush of migrants from Morocco into Spain last week reached at least 72.

The death toll increased after five additional bodies were found along the North African coast. The number of fatalities was reportedly higher than what was initially announced.

More than 50,000 people crossed into Spain by land and sea in an unprecedented surge that began July 30 at one of the European Union’s only two land borders with Africa, prompting alarm.

More than 48,000 returned to Morocco within 48 hours and more did so over the weekend. In addition to the 72 deaths, over 1,000 people were treated by health services. Some migrants drowned and others were crushed while trying to climb a breakwater and border fence. Many had been driven by economic hardship and encouraged by social media rumors.