Over 60 hospitalised in Bhopal after using ‘dangerous’ carbide guns on Diwali; several children lose eyesight

While there is no threat to their lives, some of the injured have lost their eyesight, and a few have suffered facial burns, the official added.

Bhopal’s Chief Medical Health Officer (CMHO), Dr Manish Sharma, told PTI, “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.”

According to officials, five patients are being treated at Seva Sadan Hospital, while others have been admitted to Hamidia Hospital, JP Hospital, and the All India Institute of Medical Sciences (AIIMS), Bhopal.

The ‘dangerous’ carbide guns, made using a gas lighter, plastic pipe, and calcium carbide, became popular this Diwali. When calcium carbide comes in contact with water, it produces acetylene gas, which explodes upon ignition from a spark, officials explained.

Experts warned that fragments from the plastic pipe act like shrapnel, penetrating the body and causing serious injuries — particularly to the eyes, face, and skin.

An official further said that over 150 cases of injuries linked to carbide guns were reported across Bhopal the day after Diwali. Many of those injured were discharged after receiving first aid, PTI reported.

Doctors at AIIMS are working to restore the eyesight of a 12-year-old child, while two other children at Hamidia Hospital are undergoing treatment. Nearly 10 children are currently admitted there, officials said.

Families of the injured have demanded strict action against the sale of such devices. Relatives of 14-year-old Hemant Panthi and 15-year-old Aris, both being treated at Hamidia Hospital, blamed the authorities for allowing carbide guns to be available in the market.

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.”

CMHO Sharma said that the administration is taking continuous action against those involved in the manufacture and sale of carbide guns.

Earlier, on October 18, Chief Minister Mohan Yadav had directed district magistrates and police officers across Madhya Pradesh to prevent the sale of carbide pipe guns. However, despite these orders, the devices were sold widely in the market, leading to several tragic incidents.

(With PTI inputs)

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