Dangerous Diwali Trend: 14 Children Lose Eyesight to Homemade 'Carbide Guns' in Madhya Pradesh

In a devastating turn of events, over 122 children have been hospitalized across Madhya Pradesh within just three days.

Bhopal has witnessed a dangerous new trend this Diwali season. While traditional firecrackers like chakris, rockets, and sparklers are common festival staples, this year's popular "carbide gun" or "desi firecracker gun" has resulted in severe consequences for many families.

The impact has been catastrophic with 14 children losing their eyesight among the 122 hospitalized for severe eye injuries throughout Madhya Pradesh.

Vidisha district reports the highest number of casualties, where these crude "carbide guns" were openly sold in local markets despite an official government ban implemented on October 18.

These improvised explosive devices, selling for between Rs 150 and Rs 200, are being marketed as toys but function more like dangerous bombs.

Seventeen-year-old Neha, currently recovering at Hamidia Hospital, shared her traumatic experience: "We purchased a homemade carbide gun. When it exploded, one of my eyes was completely burned. I can no longer see anything."

Another victim, Raj Vishwakarma, explained, "After watching videos on social media, I attempted to create a firecracker gun at home. It exploded in my face, resulting in the loss of my eye."

Vidisha police have arrested six individuals for illegally selling these devices. Inspector RK Mishra stated, "We've taken immediate action. Those responsible for selling or promoting these carbide guns will face legal consequences."

Eye wards across hospitals in Bhopal, Indore, Jabalpur, and Gwalior are filled with young patients suffering from injuries caused by these guns. Hamidia Hospital in Bhopal alone admitted 26 children within 72 hours.

Medical professionals are issuing stark warnings to parents that these are not toys but dangerous improvised explosives. Dr. Manish Sharma, CMHO at Hamidia Hospital, explained, "This device directly damages the eyes. The explosion releases metal fragments and carbide vapors that burn the retina. We're treating numerous cases where children's pupils have ruptured, resulting in permanent blindness."

Several patients require intensive care treatment, and many may never fully recover their vision.

Children are reportedly constructing these "carbide guns" using plastic or tin pipes, filling them with a dangerous mixture of gunpowder, matchstick heads, and calcium carbide, then igniting it through a hole—creating a lethal combination of chemical reaction and youthful curiosity.

Upon ignition, the mixture produces a violent explosion that propels debris and burning gas, often directly hitting the face and eyes.

According to police reports, these guns are being sold as "mini cannons" at local fairs and roadside stalls without any safety regulations.

The dangerous trend appears to be fueled by social media content, particularly Instagram Reels and YouTube Shorts. Videos tagged as the "Firecracker Gun Challenge" have gone viral, showing teenagers firing these devices for likes and views.