A social media rage turned into a major safety crisis during Diwali in Madhya Pradesh.
At least 180 people, including children aged between 8 and 14, were hospitalised. At least 14 kids lost their eyesight, while a few suffered facial burns.
And the root cause of this disaster is the use of a device called the “calcium carbide” gun—a makeshift device utilised by farmers to scare monkeys.
Carbide guns trending since Oct
Since the start of October, several videos of people making and firing calcium carbide guns have flooded social media.
These “dangerous” guns are made using a gas lighter, a plastic pipe, and calcium carbide.
Influencers and teenagers were seen in reels building these guns from scratch.
Using pipes, water bottles and devices resembling miniature rockets, these influencers were shown mixing calcium carbide with water to demonstrate how it worked.
According to experts, the calcium carbide in the gun produces highly flammable acetylene gas when it meets water and explodes upon contact with a spark.
150 cases in Bhopal
Over 150 cases of injuries due to carbide guns were reported in Bhopal city alone, the day after Deepavali.
Experts say small plastic fragments ejected from the pipe, like shrapnel, penetrate the body, causing serious injuries and damage to various parts, especially the eyes, face, and skin.
Chasing a viral trend, a Diwali that should have been about togetherness and laughter has turned into a tragedy.
