Bhopal witnessed a horrifying incident during Diwali celebrations when over 60 people, mostly children aged 8 to 14, sustained severe injuries from makeshift “carbide guns.” These improvised devices, constructed from plastic pipes, gas lighters, and calcium carbide, have proven extremely hazardous. Chief Medical and Health Officer Dr. Manish Sharma confirmed that while the majority of the injured are stable, some children have tragically lost their eyesight, and a few have suffered facial burns due to flying plastic fragments caused by the explosions.

Calcium carbide, when combined with water, produces acetylene gas, which is highly flammable. Ignition of this gas triggers a violent blast capable of propelling shards of plastic at high velocity, causing shrapnel-like injuries. Hospitals across Bhopal have admitted victims with eye injuries, burns, and lacerations, highlighting the extreme danger of using such devices during festive celebrations. Authorities have warned the public against attempting to assemble or use these crude guns, emphasizing that even minor negligence can result in permanent disability or death.

The incident has sparked outrage among local residents and authorities, who are urging stricter monitoring and preventive measures during festivals. Medical teams are providing round-the-clock care to the injured, while police have begun investigations into the illegal production and sale of carbide guns. Officials are also calling for public awareness campaigns to educate families about the risks of using such dangerous devices, stressing that safety should never be compromised in the pursuit of celebration.