How a Diwali “Carbide Gun” Trend Left Dozens of Indian Children Blind
A 15-year-old boy from Madhya Pradesh, India, has been left partially blind after a homemade “carbide gun” firecracker exploded during Diwali celebrations.
The device, made from a plastic pipe and calcium carbide, burst near his face, damaging his cornea and leaving him uncertain if he will ever regain full vision.
The affected child, who works repairing televisions to support his family, is one of hundreds of children and young adults injured across several northern Indian states, including Madhya Pradesh, Bihar, Jharkhand, Chhattisgarh, and Uttar Pradesh, due to the use of these improvised devices.
Hospitals have reported dozens of severe eye injuries, with many cases requiring urgent surgery.
The crude devices, often called carbide guns, became popular through viral social media videos on Instagram and YouTube that portrayed them as cheap alternatives to commercial firecrackers.
For as little as 150–200 rupees, young users could produce a loud blast and sparks, but with unpredictable and dangerous results.
Medical experts report that affected people suffer chemical burns, corneal tears, and in some cases, permanent blindness.
Police have since banned and seized the devices, and several vendors have been arrested for selling them illegally. Officials say that calcium carbide, a chemical regulated under the Calcium Carbide Rules, 1987, continues to be misused, particularly in rural areas where oversight is weak.
The widespread injuries have raised concerns about child safety, digital influence, and lax enforcement of hazardous material laws. Doctors are calling for stronger regulation, parental supervision, and public awareness to prevent similar tragedies in the future.
Every child has the right to protection from all forms of bodily harm, violence, and physical abuse. Authorities must ensure children are safeguarded from dangerous practices, whether through unregulated substances or harmful media content that puts their health and safety at risk.
