Diwali celebrations in Madhya Pradesh took a tragic turn as approximately 300 individuals, including children, sustained eye injuries from firing carbide guns. These injuries range from severe to minor. Disturbingly, around 30 of these individuals are in serious condition and are at risk of losing their sight.

Carbide guns, also known as agri-cannons, are typically used by farmers to deter monkeys and birds from damaging crops. These devices utilize a mixture of calcium carbide, matchstick heads, and gunpowder. The addition of water to calcium carbide generates acetylene gas, which, upon ignition, causes powerful explosions. These explosions produce intense heat, noxious gases, and flying projectiles, all of which pose significant risks.

Deputy Chief Minister Rajendra Shukla convened a review meeting upon learning of the incidents. He stated that several children were severely injured in Bhopal and admitted to Hamidia Hospital, with additional cases reported in Gwalior and Vidisha.

AIIMS-Bhopal doctors have identified two primary types of eye injuries: acid and alkali. Alkali injuries are considered more dangerous due to their potential to cause irreversible damage. Treatment primarily focuses on preventing further deterioration, but vision loss can still occur in some cases. Dr. Bhavana Sharma, head of the ophthalmology department at AIIMS-Bhopal, noted that only one patient admitted to their facility suffered injuries in both eyes.

While a majority of cases were reported in Bhopal and neighboring districts, with patients receiving treatment in local hospitals, approximately 50 cases were reported from Gwalior and Jabalpur. Bhopal's Chief Medical and Health Officer, Dr. Manish Sharma, reported that AIIMS-Bhopal had 13 patients, and Gandhi Medical College had 12 on Thursday. One critical case was transferred to AIIMS-Delhi, while the remaining patients were discharged.

Unofficial reports suggest that there were 300 cases of varying degrees of "alkali injury," which can lead to permanent damage. Despite existing restrictions, carbide-based cannons were still available for purchase on e-commerce websites.

A study published on PubMed in June 2023, focusing on carbide gun-related ocular injuries, examined 15 eyes of 14 patients with injuries caused by carbide guns used as firecrackers. The study found that a significant number of eyes required surgical intervention. The study concluded that calcium carbide-related ocular injuries can result in corneal blindness secondary to limbal stem cell deficiency, potentially leading to loss of economic productivity and cosmetic disfigurement in young individuals. The study emphasized the need for increased advocacy efforts to prevent such injuries.