Representational photo (PTI)
NEW DELHI: More than 100 people, most of them children aged between 8 and 14, were hospitalised in Bhopal and neighbouring Vidisha district after using calcium carbide guns during Diwali celebrations, officials said on Thursday. Around 60 children are being treated in government hospitals in the state capital, while 50 others are under care in Vidisha. At least five of them have suffered serious eye injuries. “These carbide pipe guns are extremely dangerous,” said Bhopal’s chief medical health officer (CMHO) Manish Sharma, as quoted by PTI. “All 60 injured in Bhopal are still being treated, though their condition is stable.” Patients have been admitted to Hamidia Hospital, JP Hospital, AIIMS Bhopal, and Seva Sadan Hospital. The makeshift guns are made using plastic pipes, gas lighters, and calcium carbide. When carbide comes into contact with water, it produces acetylene gas, which explodes when sparked. The blast ejects small plastic fragments that can pierce the skin, face, or eyes. Doctors said over 150 cases were reported in Bhopal the day after Diwali, though many victims were discharged after first aid. A 12-year-old child at AIIMS is undergoing surgery to restore vision, while two other children are being treated for similar injuries at Hamidia Hospital. In Vidisha, 50 people were injured by carbide gun blasts. Dr R K Sahu, head of the ophthalmology department at Vidisha District Hospital said they were trying to restore the eyesight of five patients. Ten patients have been admitted in the past two days. Dr S C L Chandravanshi from Vidisha Medical College said 20 patients were brought in this week, including one child who required eye surgery. Families of injured children have blamed the administration for failing to stop the sale of carbide guns. “Such guns should not be sold at all,” said Sarikh Khan, father of a 15-year-old being treated at Hamidia Hospital. “Those selling and manufacturing them must be punished.” Authorities said action is being taken. Vidisha SP Rohit Kashwani confirmed that 228 plastic guns and 102 carbide packets were seized, and a dozen people have been detained. Chief minister Mohan Yadav had earlier instructed district officials to ban the sale of carbide guns. Despite that, the items were widely available in local markets during Diwali, sources admitted, reported PTI.
