MP: Eyes of 300 including children injured by carbide gun, 150 lose vision; Deputy CM Rajendra Shukla visits injured at Bhopal's Hamidia Hospital

Bhopal: So far, 300 people in Madhya Pradesh have suffered eye injuries from homemade carbide guns used as an alternative to firecrackers during Diwali. According to ophthalmologists, approximately 50% of the patients have lost their vision. 

Attempts are being made to save their eyes through procedures such as amniotic membrane implants and tissue grafting. Cornea transplants are the last resort, but obtaining the corneas needed for such a large number of transplants is difficult.

162 such patients admitted to various hospitals in Bhopal

In Bhopal, 162 such patients have been admitted to various hospitals. Children aged 7 to 14 have been affected in similar incidents in several other places, including Gwalior, Indore, and Vidisha.

After the large number of casualties, the administration woke up and imposed a ban on the sale, purchase, and stockpiling of carbide guns on Thursday night. Two people found selling guns in Bhopal and Gwalior were arrested. In Indore, the collector also banned the sale, purchase, and stockpiling of carbide guns.

The ophthalmology department at Gandhi Medical College (GMC) in Bhopal is treating 36 patients. So far, 15 have undergone surgery. Doctors have implanted amniotic membranes in the eyes of two children. This is the same membrane that comes out of the womb during childbirth.

ICMR had warned

ICMR had warned two years ago. Amidst the incidents, it has also come to light that this carbide gun was circulated on social media as a home-made device to scare away monkeys. ICMR (Indian Council of Medical Research), Bhopal, had warned about this improvised system in 2023.

In their research, scientists at the ICMR had stated that the gas 'acetylene', produced by the chemical reaction of calcium carbide and water, not only causes an explosion but also causes loss of eyesight. This study was also published in the Indian Journal of Ophthalmology. Despite this, appropriate action was not taken in time.

Deputy CM Rajinder Shukla visits injured

Deputy Chief Minister Rajendra Shukla visited Hamidia Hospital, Bhopal, to inquire about the well-being of the youth and children injured by the carbide gun. He obtained detailed information from the doctors about the injured and directed them to continuously monitor their treatment. 

Shukla stated that all patients are being provided with the best medical care. He instructed the doctors and nursing staff to ensure no negligence and to maintain constant surveillance. Rajendra Shukla stated that a thorough investigation is being conducted against those illegally manufacturing firecrackers or possessing explosive materials. Strict legal action will be taken against those found guilty. Dr. Kavita Singh, Dean of Gandhi Medical College, Bhopal, and Dr. Suneet Tandon, Superintendent, and senior doctors were present.

Prakash Kumar Pandey