Daijiworld Media Network - Bhopal

Bhopal, Oct 23: What was meant to be a night of lights and celebration turned tragic across Bhopal and nearby districts this Diwali, as hundreds of people — including many children — were injured by makeshift “carbide guns” sold as cheap festive toys. Over 125 injuries have been officially reported, though doctors warn the real number could exceed 200.

Hospitals in Bhopal, Gwalior, Indore, Sagar, and other districts were inundated with victims suffering severe eye and facial injuries. In Bhopal alone, 36 cases were recorded, with others arriving from Seoni Malwa, Hoshangabad, Sehore, and Narsinghpur. Doctors estimate that more than 70 per cent of the injuries involve corneal damage, with several victims permanently losing their vision.

The so-called “carbide guns,” sold for around Rs 200, are crudely assembled from plastic pipes, gas lighters, and calcium carbide. When ignited, they produce acetylene gas, which explodes with violent force — sending plastic fragments flying like shrapnel.

At Hamidia Hospital, one of the city’s largest medical facilities, nearly 40 patients were treated on Diwali night alone. Dr. Kavita Kumar, head of the ophthalmology department, called the device “a deadly explosive disguised as a toy.” She explained that the blasts cause deep corneal ulcers and severe burns, often requiring emergency corneal transplants.

State health officials reported that at least 14 children have lost their eyesight permanently, with over 125 hospitalised statewide. Bhopal CMHO Manish Sharma confirmed that most victims were between 8 and 14 years old, and that more than 150 injury reports were filed within 24 hours of Diwali.

This spike in accidents came despite Chief Minister Mohan Yadav’s October 18 directive banning the sale of carbide guns. The devices, however, flooded markets and social media, where viral videos glamorised them as Diwali “stunts.”

What was intended as a festive novelty has now left dozens of families shattered — turning a night of celebration into one of pain and loss.