Diwali 'Carbide gun' scare in MP: 14 children lose eyesight, several others hospitalized

Nearly 14 children lost their eyesight, with over 122 children admitted to the hospital in Madhya Pradesh, following the use of the 'carbide gun', also known as the 'desi firecracker gun. 

The carbide gun is a commonly used firecracker device, sold as a toy or a "mini cannon" for children during the festival of Diwali. It is made up of tin pipes and gunpowder, capable of leading to a violent blast that can cause fatal injuries to the face and eyes. 

The children were reportedly playing with the carbide gun, with 14 children turning blind and another 122 hospitalized after suffering from severe injuries over the past three days of Diwali celebrations. 

Notably, the Government had imposed a ban on the sale of these desi firecracker guns. Despite this, local markets were selling the carbide guns. The Vidhisha district of Madhya Pradesh is the worst-affected one. 

A victim told the media that he was trying to make a firecracker gun at home, but it exploded, causing the injury. Another victim, who is a seven-year-old girl, stated that the homemade gun that she bought exploded on her face, completely burning her eyes. She is receiving treatment at a hospital. 

The situation has turned alarming as there is a significant rise in such cases across Bhopal, Indore, Gwalior, and Jabalpur. Doctors are warning people of these guns, which are not toys but explosive devices that can burst. They shared that the explosives can burn the retina and directly damage the eyes. 

The carbide guns are available cheaply, priced between Rs 150 - Rs 200. But, they are sold as "toys". Most of the time, children themselves make these guns using plastic or tin pipes, then fill them with gunpowder, calcium carbide, and matchstick heads. Media reports suggest that the children light these guns, which cause a violent blast, leading to small debris and burning gas that hits the eyes and face. 

These days, the entire social media is flooded with life-threatening reels and shorts promoting and fuelling the craze over the "firecracker gun challenge."