Ahmedabad: Two children suffered severe eye injuries caused by carbide guns during Diwali celebrations, prompting doctors to perform nearly two-hour-long surgeries in an attempt to save their vision.

According to doctors at a private super-speciality eye hospital in the city, an 11-year-old from Palanpur and a 15-year-old from Dahod’s rural area sustained serious corneal damage after exposure to carbide gun blasts. Vitreo-retina surgeon Dr. Parth Rana said these improvised guns are typically used on farms to scare away birds and animals but see increased use during festivals like Diwali — posing a major risk to eyesight.

Doctors said most such injury cases are reported from rural areas rather than urban regions. The force of the blast can be so strong that it may cause complete vision loss in severe cases.

What are carbide guns?

Carbide guns, often made from iron or PVC pipes, are crude, homemade explosive devices created through a chemical reaction rather than traditional firecrackers. They are typically made by mixing calcium carbide — a grey industrial compound used in welding or fruit ripening — with water inside a closed or semi-sealed container such as a pipe, tin, or bottle.

The chemistry behind them is simple yet extremely dangerous. When calcium carbide comes into contact with water, it releases acetylene gas — a highly flammable substance used in industrial welding. As this gas accumulates inside the container, pressure builds up rapidly. When a flame, spark, or even friction is introduced near the opening, the trapped gas ignites with a violent explosion, creating a loud blast and sometimes a burst of fire.

Although banned in most parts of the state, carbide guns were reportedly sold in large numbers in both rural and urban areas during Diwali. In one major incident, over 300 children across various regions suffered injuries caused by these so-called “toy guns.” Police have arrested two individuals in connection with their illegal sale. DeshGujarat