Madhya Pradesh is grappling with a surge in hospitalizations due to injuries caused by carbide guns during Diwali celebrations. Over 100 people, predominantly children, have been admitted to hospitals across the state with severe eye injuries, and tragically, at least 14 have lost their eyesight.

These "carbide guns," also known as "desi firecracker guns," are homemade devices typically constructed from plastic or tin pipes and utilize a combination of gunpowder, calcium carbide, and matchstick heads to create a potent explosive blast. The explosion propels small fragments at high velocity, acting like shrapnel and causing significant damage, particularly to the face and eyes. Doctors are reporting that the chemical exposure from these devices is causing severe burns to the cornea and eyelids, in addition to the trauma from the blast itself.

Hospitals in Bhopal, Indore, Jabalpur, and Gwalior are struggling to manage the influx of patients with these injuries. In Bhopal alone, over 150 cases of carbide gun-related injuries were reported, with the majority being children between the ages of 8 and 14. While most patients are not facing life-threatening conditions, many have sustained severe eye damage, including loss of eyesight and facial burns. Some will require cornea transplants, and the long-term prognosis for vision recovery remains uncertain.

Victims' accounts paint a grim picture of the dangers associated with these devices. One individual recounted learning how to make the gun from social media videos, only to have it explode in their face, resulting in severe injury. Another, a seven-year-old, purchased the homemade gun, which detonated shortly after, causing extensive burns to her eyes.

These guns, which are openly sold in local markets for as little as ₹150 to ₹200 (just over £1), are marketed as "mini cannons," further enticing children. Despite a ban issued on October 18th by Chief Minister Mohan Yadav, these dangerous devices continued to be readily available during the Diwali festivities.

The parents of the victims are demanding immediate action, calling for a complete ban on the manufacture and sale of carbide guns and seeking compensation for medical expenses. Experts are comparing these devices to "chemical bombs," emphasizing that they are far from being harmless toys. Doctors are warning parents about the dangers of these improvised explosive devices, stressing that they can cause irreversible damage to the eyes and face.