It is reported that over 122 children across Madhya Pradesh were admitted to hospitals with serious eye injuries within three days of Diwali. With this, the 'carbide gun' has become a nightmare for parents. During celebrations, the use of “carbide guns” was popular in the state, which is said to have increased the number of accidents and their intensity. According to reports, 14 children have lost their eyesight to injuries caused by carbide guns, which locally go by the name 'Desi Firecracker Gun'.
Every year, new items and trends arrive in the market on Diwali. Having noticed the 'carbide gun' frenzy, the government had warned on October 18 that the use of 'carbide guns' for Diwali celebrations could be dangerous, Manorama Online said in a report. An official ban followed to avert the worst from happening, the report added.
However, carbide guns were widely sold in local markets for Diwali for rates ranging from ₹150 to ₹200. Although they look like toys, they explode with a powerful blast.
“We had bought a carbide gun. When it exploded, one of my eyes was completely burned. I can't see anything,” Manorama Online quoted Neha, a 17-year-old undergoing treatment at a hospital. Bhopal, Indore, Jabalpur, and Gwalior have all got people undergoing burn injuries caused by the 'Desi Firecracker Gun'. Six people were arrested in Vidisha district alone in relation with its sale despite the blanket ban by the government.
In the capital of Bhopal alone, 26 children were admitted with injuries within 72 hours of Diwali, the report said.
What are carbide guns?
Carbide guns are made by filling plastic or tin pipes with gunpowder, matchsticks, and calcium carbide. When the mixture ignites, it produces a powerful explosion.
When they explode, metal fragments and carbide vapour are released. And at times, they explode dangerously close to the user’s face—causing damage to the eyes. Many of the hospitalised children suffered injuries to the retina. Those who have suffered bursting of eyeballs can go permanently blind, medical practitioners warned.
Many people started making them in their backyards after watching Instagram Reels and YouTube Shorts. The use of such carbide guns was popularised through viral videos tagged as 'Firecracker Gun Challenge'. The Madhya Pradesh Police said that the carbide guns were also sold in Madhya Pradesh under the name 'mini cannon'.