MP: Did Over 125 Suffer Injuries from Carbide Guns This Diwali?
Click to start listening
Synopsis
What was supposed to be a memorable Diwali became a catastrophic event for many families in Bhopal as homemade carbide guns caused more than 125 injuries, some leading to permanent blindness. This alarming situation raises questions about safety and regulation during festive celebrations.
Key Takeaways
- Over 125 injuries reported due to carbide guns this Diwali.
- Many victims face permanent vision loss.
- Majority of cases involve corneal damage.
- Calls for stricter regulations on the sale of these devices.
- Public education is crucial for preventing future incidents.
Bhopal, Oct 23 (NationPress) A night typically filled with lights and celebration transformed into a tragic incident for many families across Bhopal and nearby areas this Diwali, as homemade "carbide guns" – promoted as affordable festive toys – inflicted serious injuries on over 125 individuals, including children and the elderly.
Medical professionals estimate the actual number could be closer to 200.
Reports indicate nearly 20 incidents from Gwalior, Indore (four), Sagar (three), and Bhopal (36).
The majority of cases have emerged from clinics or private medical facilities.
Patients are being treated not only from Bhopal but also from Seoni Malwa, Hoshangabad, Sehore, and Narsinghpur, placing immense pressure on eye wards. Hospitals have seen a spike in cases, with over 70 percent involving corneal damage, resulting in permanent vision loss for many victims.
These devices, sold for around Rs 200, crafted from plastic pipes, gas lighters, and calcium carbide, explode violently when ignited, sending shrapnel-like fragments into eyes, faces, and bodies.
At Hamidia Hospital, one of the largest government hospitals in Bhopal, approximately 40 patients received treatment on the night of Diwali alone.
Kavita Kumar, Head of the Ophthalmology Department, characterized the carbide gun as a "deadly explosive" rather than a toy, as it generates acetylene gas that ignites from a spark through an "ignitor".
"The explosion disperses plastic shards like pellets, leading to severe corneal ulcers and burns," she elaborated.
A doctor from a private hospital stated that in severe cases, a corneal transplant is necessary, which is an expensive procedure, and recovery can span several months.
Currently, across Madhya Pradesh, over 125 children have been hospitalized with similar injuries, with at least 14 suffering permanent vision loss, according to state health officials.
Bhopal's Chief Medical and Health Officer (CMHO) Manish Sharma confirmed more than 60 hospitalizations in the city, primarily among children aged 8-14, with over 150 injury reports emerging the day after Diwali – many of whom were discharged after receiving first aid.
Despite Chief Minister Mohan Yadav's directive on October 18 to district authorities to prohibit the sale of carbide guns, these devices are still prevalent in markets, driven by social media trends that glamorize them as Diwali entertainment.
Point of View
It's crucial to approach this incident with a focus on public safety. The alarming rise in injuries from homemade carbide guns highlights a significant oversight in regulation and public awareness. We stand with the nation in advocating for stricter controls and educational campaigns to prevent such tragedies in the future.
NationPress
23/10/2025
Frequently Asked Questions
What are carbide guns?
Carbide guns are homemade explosive devices, often made from plastic pipes, gas lighters, and calcium carbide, marketed as cheap festive toys. They can cause serious injuries when ignited.
How many people were injured?
Reports indicate that over 125 people have been injured, with estimates suggesting the number could be around 200.
What kind of injuries are occurring?
Most injuries involve corneal damage, which can lead to permanent vision loss for many victims.
What measures are being taken by authorities?
Despite directives to ban the sale of carbide guns, they remain prevalent in markets, prompting calls for stricter enforcement and public awareness campaigns.
What can be done to prevent similar incidents in the future?
Increasing public education about the dangers of these devices and enforcing stricter regulations on their sale can help prevent future tragedies.
