Several children in Bhopal lose eyesight due to calcium carbide guns on Diwali

More than 60 people, the majority of them children aged between 8 and 14, were hospitalised in Bhopal after sustaining injuries from calcium carbide guns used during Diwali celebrations, PTI reported on Thursday.

Chief Medical and Health Officer (CMHO) Dr Manish Sharma described the improvised “carbide pipe guns” as extremely hazardous. “Around 60 people hurt by these guns are being treated at various hospitals in the city. While none of the cases are life-threatening, some victims have lost their vision, and several have suffered burns on their faces,” he said.

These devices are crudely made from plastic pipes, gas lighters, and calcium carbide. When water reacts with calcium carbide, it releases acetylene gas, which explodes when ignited. The blast propels sharp plastic fragments at high speed, causing injuries similar to shrapnel wounds on the eyes, face, and body, TNIE reported.

Authorities reported that over 150 incidents of carbide gun injuries were recorded across Bhopal the day after Diwali. Many victims were treated and discharged after receiving first aid, but several children remain hospitalised with serious injuries.

Doctors at AIIMS are attempting to restore the eyesight of a 12-year-old boy, while Hamidia Hospital is treating about ten young patients, including two in critical condition.

Families of the injured have accused officials of negligence for allowing the sale of these dangerous items. CMHO Sharma confirmed that the district administration has begun a crackdown on the illegal production and sale of carbide guns.

Despite Chief Minister Mohan Yadav’s earlier directive — issued on October 18 — instructing district magistrates and police across Madhya Pradesh to prevent their sale, the makeshift guns were reportedly available in local markets throughout Diwali.