Events

This is the moment tourists flocked to see a dead whale - despite warnings a huge swelling coming out of its head could explode at any moment.

The giant carcass was discovered washed up on a beach in Pelluhue, in the central Chilean region of Maule.
     Although the whale is about 52ft long, pictures show how an enormous balloon-like swelling dwarfs its entire head.
     President of the Vets of Wild Fauna Association Betsy Pincheira said: 'The protuberance is caused because of the common decomposition process. It is an accumulation of gas, generally methane.
     'I wish people would not approach because this could explode.'
     According to the vet, who has not visited the scene, the swelling could also be part of the stomach being forced up and out through the head as internal gases deform the animal's insides.
     Mauricio Ulloa, head of the Unit of Preservation and Rescue of the National Fish and Aquaculture Service, said the whale could have died up to two weeks ago.He added: 'The sun causes the increase of the temperature of the gases inside the whale and this could cause some parts of its body to swell, such as the tongue or the intestines.'
     But not all experts agree with the gas-buildup hypothesis.
     Some say the swelling might have been caused when the whale crashed against a boat or rocks, an accident that would have eventually led to its death.
     Authorities are currently on the scene to investigate the carcass and discover the cause of death.