What began as a festive novelty has turned into a public health crisis across Madhya Pradesh. A makeshift firecracker toy known as a carbide gun has left over 300 people injured, most of them children, during this year’s Diwali celebrations. Dozens have suffered severe eye injuries, and several are at risk of permanent blindness, according to doctors treating victims in major hospitals.

Hospitals across Bhopal, Vidisha, and Gwalior reported a surge in patients with burn-related and vision-threatening injuries following accidental blasts caused by these crude explosive devices. Medical authorities have described the situation as one of the most severe injury outbreaks in recent festive seasons.

What Are Carbide Guns?

A carbide gun is a home-made explosive device that uses calcium carbide and water to generate acetylene gas, which ignites with a loud blast when sparked. The device is typically made from metal or plastic pipes and is sold under names like “monkey gun” or “mini cannon.”

Originally used by farmers to scare away birds and animals from crops, the device gained sudden popularity during Diwali as a low-cost alternative to firecrackers — but it is neither safe nor legal. The mixture of calcium carbide and water is highly reactive and can cause unpredictable explosions, sending shrapnel and flames in all directions.

Scale of the Crisis

In Bhopal alone, over 180 eye injury cases were reported within two days of Diwali. Doctors at the state’s largest ophthalmology centres performed multiple emergency surgeries, with at least 15 patients suffering irreversible damage to their vision.

Reports from Vidisha and Gwalior revealed similar trends. Children, many under 14 years old, were among the worst affected. In several cases, victims suffered burns and lacerations after carbide guns exploded in their hands or near their faces.

Local police have since seized dozens of such devices and detained several roadside vendors found selling them. Authorities suspect that online sales and social media promotions contributed to their widespread circulation this festive season.

Medical Experts Sound the Alarm

Doctors warn that the combination of mechanical, thermal, and chemical injuries from carbide gun explosions makes them far more dangerous than ordinary firecrackers.

• Mechanical damage: The explosion sends fragments flying at high speed, damaging the cornea and retina.
• Thermal burns: The intense heat can melt or burn delicate eye tissue and surrounding skin.
• Chemical exposure: Calcium carbide reacts violently with moisture, releasing vapours that can cause corrosion and inflammation inside the eye.

According to ophthalmologists, many of the injured children will require long-term medical treatment and may not fully regain their vision. Hospitals have issued urgent appeals for public awareness to prevent further cases.

Government and Police Response

Following the alarming spike in injuries, district administrations across Madhya Pradesh have banned the sale and use of carbide guns. Law enforcement agencies are conducting raids on local markets and have arrested several traders for selling the illegal devices.

Officials have also urged parents to remain vigilant and educate children about the dangers of using unlicensed fireworks or explosive toys. Awareness drives are being planned in schools and residential colonies ahead of future festivals.

A senior police officer in Bhopal stated that the devices were “often advertised online as harmless toys but are, in fact, lethal homemade explosives.” Authorities have appealed to e-commerce platforms and social media companies to crack down on listings and videos promoting such products.

Public Health Warning

Medical experts and child welfare organisations have called for a statewide awareness campaign to prevent further misuse of such devices. They warn that the rising popularity of carbide guns reflects a dangerous gap in public understanding of chemical explosives.

Parents have been advised to:

• Avoid purchasing or allowing children to handle unregulated fireworks.
• Ensure children are supervised during celebrations.
• Immediately seek medical help if an eye injury occurs, even if it appears minor.
• Report illegal sales of carbide-based products to local authorities.

A Dangerous Trend That Needs to End

The surge in carbide gun-related injuries this Diwali serves as a grim reminder of the need for stronger enforcement and public education around festive safety. What was seen as a playful invention quickly turned into a source of tragedy for hundreds of families.

Experts are urging both government agencies and the public to work together to eliminate these hazardous devices from markets before they cause further harm.

As festive celebrations continue across the country, the message from medical professionals is clear: Diwali should bring light and joy, not injury and loss.