In Madhya Pradesh, 300 people were injured and 30 lost their eyesight due to carbide guns.
While Diwali was being celebrated across the country, people were reaching hospitals after being injured by carbide guns. 30 people including children lost their eyesight in Madhya Pradesh due to carbide gun. More than 300 people, including children and adults, were admitted to the hospital due to serious eye injuries. Let us know what is the carbide gun which took away the eyesight of many children? Why is this not stopped despite the ban?
It has been said in media reports that there are reports of people getting injured due to the use of carbide guns in many other states of the country like Bihar. However, its worst effect has been seen in Vidisha district of Madhya Pradesh, where carbide guns were being sold indiscriminately in the local markets. However, even before Diwali, on October 18, the Madhya Pradesh government had banned it. Still, its manufacture and sale could not be banned because it is made at a very local level.
Many of the victims said that they made a carbide gun after watching videos on social media, but it exploded in front of their eyes. Many people bought it from the market and used it but it became a problem for their eyes.
This gun is made from indigenous Jugaad
Carbide guns are not made in any factory. It is prepared at the local level in a very desi manner. Just as a potash tube is made from an iron pipe, in the same way this gun is made by joining some plastic pipes. That is, it is a desi jugaad, in which due to the use of calcium carbide it is called carbide gun. It is quite cheap and attracts children. That is why this gun was bought extensively this Diwali.
It became very famous especially through social media and people made it and sold it for only 150 to 200 rupees. Those who made and sold this gun out of greed for a little money must not have had any idea that it would take away the eyesight of children forever.
The chemical present in the carbide gun produces such a strong explosion that it can pierce the entire face.
That’s why it’s dangerous
This indigenous carbide gun is quite dangerous because chemicals are used in it. Calcium carbide is inserted in the plastic pipe of this gun. A few drops of water are poured over this calcium carbide, which produces a gas. As soon as a spark from a lighter or matchstick appears, an explosion occurs. Children were using it for this explosion on Diwali.
How does an accident happen?
When water is poured over calcium carbide in a plastic pipe, the reaction between calcium carbide and water takes some time. On the other hand, the children, eager for the explosion, start looking inside the gun to see why the explosion did not happen. By then the reaction takes place and suddenly there is a loud explosion. The plastic pieces and chemicals released in this explosion enter the eyes directly. Anyway, this blast would have been so intense that it could have pierced the entire face along with the eyes.
VIDEO | Bhopal: Over 60 people, mostly children aged 814, injured by a makeshift carbide gun this Diwali, with severe injuries to eyes, face, and skin. Hospitals report ongoing treatment. CMHO Manish Sharma warns against the use of carbide guns.
(Full video available on PTI pic.twitter.com/zh2sNFh22k
— Press Trust of India (@PTI_News) October 22, 2025
This is why eyes get harmed
Acetylene gas is produced by the chemical reaction of water and calcium carbide pieces in a carbide gun. Acetylene gas is used in welding. It is highly flammable. When children peek into it or keep it close to their face, the same acetylene gas and hotter burnt carbide coming out of the pipe in the explosion falls directly on the face and eyes. Due to this, the face and eyes become vulnerable to chemical burns and the cornea and conjunctiva of the eyes get badly burnt. Along with this, small pieces also come out from the PVC pipe during the explosion. These pieces of plastic enter the eyes like bullets. This causes damage to the eyes and if it is severe enough, it can lead to loss of vision.
Used to cook fruits
Earlier calcium carbide was used to ripen fruits. However, there is a ban on it for the last few years. In such a situation, the use of calcium carbide as an explosive started illegally. While generally licenses are issued for the manufacturing, storage and transportation of firecrackers and explosives, the manufacturing of this carbide gun is completely illegal. Despite this, it was made and sold indiscriminately this Diwali. In view of the accidents caused by carbide guns, the Madhya Pradesh government has started taking strict action. The government has ordered an investigation into how carbide guns reached the market despite the ban. Also, to stop this, raids are being conducted in different districts and seizures are being made. Many people have been detained. An FIR has been registered against him and action is being taken.
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