More than 60 persons, most of them children aged eight to 14, were hospitalised in Bhopal after being injured by calcium carbide guns during Diwali, PTI reported.

Bhopal’s Chief Medical Health Officer Manish Sharma told PTI, “The 60 people injured by the use of these guns are still [under treatment]. All are safe.”

Some victims have lost their eyesight, while a few suffered facial burns, the news agency quoted an unidentified agency as saying.

These guns are common firecracker devices sold as toys during Diwali, priced between Rs 150 and Rs 200, NDTV reported. They are made using a gas lighter, a plastic pipe and calcium carbide. When water touches the calcium carbide, it produces acetylene gas, which explodes on contact with a spark.

Experts said the guns eject small plastic fragments like shrapnel, which can penetrate the body and cause serious injuries, especially to the eyes, face, and skin.

More than 150 cases of carbide gun injuries were reported across Bhopal the day after Diwali, though many were discharged after receiving first aid, PTI reported.

In a meeting with officials on October 18, Chief Minister Mohan Yadav had directed district magistrates and police officers across the state to prevent the sale of carbide pipe guns.

However, the devices were easily available in markets, PTI reported.

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