Fourteen Childrens lose eyesight due to 'carbide guns' in Madhya Pradesh

Over the past three days, more than 150 children have been hospitalised with severe eye injuries, and 14 have already lost their eyesight. Hospitals across multiple cities have reported hundreds of cases of blast-related eye trauma, with many young patients at risk of permanent vision loss.

The worst-affected area is Vidisha district, where local markets openly sold these crude “carbide guns” despite a government ban issued on 18



October, according to the report.

These improvised devices, sold for ₹150 to ₹200, resemble toys but can explode with the force of a bomb, posing a grave danger to children

The “dangerous” gun, made using a gas lighter, a plastic pipe, and calcium carbide, was in vogue this Diwali. The calcium carbide in the gun produces acetylene gas when it meets water and explodes upon contact with a spark, an official told Media.