Diwali Disaster: Carbide Guns Cause Injuries to Over 100 in Madhya Pradesh

In a troubling post-Diwali development in Madhya Pradesh, over 100 individuals, chiefly children, were hospitalized following injuries caused by the use of crude calcium carbide guns. Officials report that these makeshift devices, popular this festive season, have resulted in severe injuries, with a significant number of cases in Bhopal and Vidisha districts.

The crude guns are constructed using a gas lighter, plastic pipe, and calcium carbide which reacts with water to produce acetylene gas, exploding upon ignition. This has led to small plastic fragments being ejected, causing serious injuries, especially to the eyes, face, and skin.

Madhya Pradesh authorities are taking stern measures against the sale and manufacture of these items, with seizures and detentions reported. However, the aftermath has left several children with compromised vision, as medical teams strive to restore their eyesight.