Bhopal: This Diwali, a new firecracker trend in Madhya Pradesh has turned deadly. The so-called “carbide gun” or “desi firecracker gun”, promoted as a must-have by children on social media, has caused severe injuries, with more than 122 children admitted to hospitals in just three days, and 14 losing their eyesight.
Vidisha emerges as worst-hit district
The district of Vidisha has been worst affected, where local markets openly sold these crude carbide guns despite a government ban issued on October 18. Priced between ₹150 and ₹200, the makeshift devices are being made and sold like toys but explode with devastating force.
Seventeen-year-old Neha, recovering at Hamidia Hospital, said, “We bought a homemade carbide gun. When it exploded, one of my eyes burned completely. I can’t see anything.”
Another victim, Raj Vishwakarma, added, “I saw videos on social media and tried to make a firecracker gun at home. It exploded in my face… and I lost my eye.”
Police crackdown on illegal sales
Vidisha police have arrested six people for illegally selling the devices. Inspector R.K. Mishra said, “Immediate action has been taken. Those responsible for selling or promoting these carbide guns will face legal consequences.”
Hospitals across Bhopal, Indore, Jabalpur, and Gwalior are treating young patients injured by these guns. At Hamidia Hospital, 26 children were admitted in just 72 hours.
Doctors warn parents
Doctors are issuing stern warnings about the lethal nature of these firecrackers. Dr. Manish Sharma, CMHO at Hamidia Hospital, said, “This device causes direct damage to the eyes. The explosion releases metal fragments and carbide vapors that burn the retina. Several children have ruptured pupils, leading to permanent blindness.”
Some patients require ICU treatment, and many may never regain full vision.
How the carbide guns work
Children reportedly make the guns using plastic or tin pipes, filling them with gunpowder, matchstick heads, and calcium carbide, then igniting the mixture through a hole. The chemical reaction produces a violent blast that propels debris and burning gas directly at the face and eyes.
Police have noted that the guns are sold as “mini cannons” at local fairs and roadside stalls, with no safety regulations in place.
Social media fuels the trend
The dangerous craze appears to be driven by Instagram Reels and YouTube Shorts, with videos tagged as the “Firecracker Gun Challenge” going viral, showing teenagers firing the guns for likes and views.