Deadly migrant rush to Spain’s Ceuta was sparked by runaway online rumours

It started with Instagram posts that suggested Spain’s border with Morocco was opening up. Then came Facebook users tracking coastguard patrols and TikTok videos showing where to swim.
After many shares and comments, thousands of Moroccans became convinced that Europe was suddenly within reach.
Within hours, young people began heading towards the border with the Spanish territory of Ceuta in North Africa. Packed buses rolled into the neighbouring Moroccan city of Fnideq. Regional trains filled...