Diwali in Madhya Pradesh has turned tragic this year as a deadly new firecracker trend left several children battling for their eyesight. The alarming rise in Carbide Gun Diwali Injuries has shocked both doctors and parents across the state.
In just three days, over 122 children have been admitted to hospitals with severe eye injuries, while 14 have lost their eyesight completely. The worst-hit district, Vidisha, saw local markets openly selling these crude explosive toys despite a government ban issued on October 18.
Priced between ₹150 and ₹200, the so-called “carbide guns” or “mini cannons” are being made using plastic or tin pipes filled with gunpowder, matchstick heads, and calcium carbide. When ignited, they explode violently — releasing burning gas and metal fragments that directly hit the face and eyes, leading to severe Carbide Gun Diwali Injuries.
Seventeen-year-old Neha, now recovering at Bhopal’s Hamidia Hospital, tearfully shared, “We bought a homemade carbide gun. When it exploded, one of my eyes burned completely. I can’t see anything.” Another victim, Raj Vishwakarma, admitted he tried making one after watching social media videos. “It exploded in my face… and I lost my eye,” he said.
Doctors are calling the trend “an epidemic of preventable blindness.” Dr. Manish Sharma, CMHO at Hamidia Hospital, explained, “This device causes direct damage to the retina. The explosion releases carbide vapors that burn the eye tissue. Many children will never regain their vision.”
Hospitals across Bhopal, Indore, Jabalpur, and Gwalior are reporting full eye wards. At Hamidia Hospital alone, 26 children were admitted in just 72 hours. Police in Vidisha have arrested six people for illegally selling the devices, warning that anyone promoting or selling carbide guns will face strict legal action.
The real trigger behind the surge in Carbide Gun Diwali Injuries appears to be social media. Videos on Instagram Reels and YouTube Shorts tagged as the “Firecracker Gun Challenge” have gone viral, showing teens firing the guns for entertainment — often with tragic consequences.
Doctors and parents are now urging awareness campaigns to ensure no more lives are affected. Diwali is meant to spread light, not take away sight.
FAQs
Q1: What are Carbide Gun Diwali Injuries?
A: Carbide Gun Diwali Injuries are severe burns and eye damage caused by homemade explosive guns made using calcium carbide.
Q2: Why are Carbide Gun Diwali Injuries rising in Madhya Pradesh?
A: The trend is fueled by viral social media videos encouraging the dangerous “Firecracker Gun Challenge.”
Q3: How can parents prevent Carbide Gun Diwali Injuries?
A: Parents must educate children, monitor online activity, and report illegal sales of these explosives to the police.
Q4: Is selling carbide guns illegal in India?
A: Yes. Several states, including Madhya Pradesh, have banned their sale and manufacture under explosive safety laws.
