Over 60, including children, suffer burns, lose eyesight in Bhopal after using carbide guns for Diwali

Bhopal: More than 60 people, most of them children aged between eight and 14, were hospitalised in Bhopal after sustaining injuries from using “dangerous” calcium carbide guns during Diwali celebrations, officials said on Thursday.

While doctors confirmed that none of the victims were in critical condition, several children have suffered severe facial burns and permanent loss of eyesight.

Bhopal’s Chief Medical Health Officer (CMHO) Dr Manish Sharma told PTI that, “Carbide pipe guns are very dangerous. The 60 people injured by the use of these guns are still being treated in hospitals in the state capital. All are safe.”

Five patients are being treated at Seva Sadan Hospital, while others are receiving care at Hamidia Hospital, JP Hospital, and the All India Institute of Medical Sciences (AIIMS), Bhopal.

The hazardous devices, made using a gas lighter, a plastic pipe, and calcium carbide, became popular among children this festive season. When calcium carbide comes into contact with water, it produces acetylene gas, which explodes upon contact with a spark.

Experts warned that fragments from the plastic pipes act like shrapnel, piercing the skin and eyes and causing serious injuries. An official explained that these small plastic particles can damage the face, eyes and other exposed parts of the body.

According to officials, more than 150 injury cases related to carbide guns were reported across Bhopal following Diwali night, though many victims were discharged after receiving first aid.

A 12-year-old child being treated at AIIMS Bhopal is currently undergoing specialised care to restore his eyesight, while Hamidia Hospital has admitted around ten injured children, two of whom are in serious condition.

Families of the victims have demanded accountability from authorities. The parents of 14-year-old Hemant Panthi and 15-year-old Aris, both undergoing treatment at Hamidia Hospital, blamed the administration for allowing the sale of such devices.

Aris’s father, Sarikh Khan, said, “Such guns should not be sold in the market in the first place. Strict action should be taken against those who manufacture and sell these guns. Compensation should be provided to cover the children’s medical expenses.”

Dr Sharma said the administration was taking continuous action against those manufacturing and distributing the hazardous devices.

Earlier, during a meeting on October 18, Chief Minister Mohan Yadav had directed all district magistrates and police officials across Madhya Pradesh to prevent the sale of calcium carbide pipe guns. However, officials admitted that the devices continued to be sold openly in local markets in the run-up to Diwali.

PTI