Calcium Carbide Gun Dangers

Every year, Diwali brings joy, lights, and celebrations across India. However, a dangerous new trend involving calcium carbide guns has overshadowed the festivities in Madhya Pradesh, leaving more than 300 children injured, with several losing their eyesight.

These devices, also known as carbide guns or firecracker guns, are cheap, locally made, and deceptively resemble harmless toys.

Rise of the Calcium Carbide Gun Trend

Hospitals in Bhopal, Gwalior, Indore, and Vidisha reported a sudden surge in carbide firecracker gun injuries during Diwali celebrations. Children aged six to fifteen were the most affected. Investigations revealed that these injuries were caused by calcium carbide guns, which are essentially makeshift explosive devices.

Despite their toy-like appearance, these guns can cause severe eye injuries, corneal burns, and even permanent blindness. Authorities have confirmed that at least 10 children lost their vision due to these unsafe devices.

The easy availability and social media promotion of the so-called “Diwali firecracker gun challenge” contributed to the craze, with units being sold for as little as ₹150–₹200.

How Calcium Carbide Guns Work

A calcium carbide gun is generally made from a PVC or metal pipe with a small chamber containing calcium carbide. When water is added, it reacts chemically to release acetylene gas, which, upon ignition, explodes violently.

The explosion produces a sound similar to a firecracker but also propels shards of plastic or metal, causing life-threatening injuries. This crude setup is extremely hazardous due to the uncontrolled chemical reaction. Experts warn that even minor mistakes can lead to PVC carbide gun explosions and catastrophic consequences.

Role of Social Media

• The recent spike in injuries is linked to social media trends.

• Platforms like Instagram and YouTube have popularised the “Firecracker Gun Challenge”, encouraging young users to make and ignite these dangerous devices.

• The viral nature of these videos amplified the availability of dangerous Diwali toys in India, putting countless children at risk.

Government Action and Safety Warnings

• In response to the rising injuries, the Madhya Pradesh government has imposed a complete ban on calcium carbide guns, including their sale, purchase, and possession.

• Police and district administrations have been instructed to seize these devices and take strict legal action against violators.

• Doctors and ophthalmologists have issued urgent warnings, emphasising that these devices are not toys but hazardous explosives.

• Medical professionals advise parents not to attempt removing debris manually and to seek immediate medical attention to prevent irreversible blindness.

Exam-Oriented Facts for SSC Aspirants

• Calcium carbide guns produce acetylene gas when water is added.

• Over 300 children were injured, with at least 10 cases of permanent blindness.

• Statewide ban on calcium carbide guns in Madhya Pradesh.

• Social media trends promoted the Diwali firecracker gun challenge, increasing injuries.

• Common injuries include corneal burns, ruptured pupils, and shrapnel wounds.

• Cheap availability (₹150–₹200) contributed to widespread use.

These points are essential for SSC exams, especially for current affairs, disaster management, and public safety topics.

Safety Measures

1. Avoid purchasing or using any calcium carbide gun or firecracker gun.

2. Supervise children during Diwali celebrations.

3. Report illegal sales or possession of calcium carbide guns.

4. Seek immediate medical care in case of any injury caused by these explosives.

Final Thoughts

During Diwali in Madhya Pradesh, a dangerous trend involving calcium carbide guns has left over 300 children injured, with several losing their eyesight. These makeshift carbide guns resemble harmless toys but are hazardous chemical explosives that release acetylene gas when water is added, causing violent explosions. Hospitals in Bhopal, Gwalior, Indore, and Vidisha reported multiple cases of corneal burns and ruptured pupils.

The craze spread through social media challenges, encouraging children to ignite these firecracker guns, which sell for as little as ₹150–₹200.

In response, the state government has banned the sale and possession of calcium carbide guns, warning parents about their dangers and urging immediate medical attention in case of injuries.