How a Diwali cracker gun in India went from social media craze to blinding children
Summary
Many children in northern India have suffered eye injuries from using homemade devices called "carbide guns" during the Diwali festival. These devices use calcium carbide to create loud blasts and fiery sparks, but the explosions are unpredictable and have caused serious harm. Some states in India have banned these devices following the wave of injuries.Key Facts
- Carbide guns are makeshift devices using calcium carbide in plastic pipes that create loud explosions.
- Calcium carbide is regulated in India but is used by some farmers to ripen fruit.
- Over 100 eye injury cases were reported in Bhopal district alone, with 15 needing surgery.
- Other injuries were reported in Bihar, Chhattisgarh, Jharkhand, Uttar Pradesh, and Delhi.
- Some states have banned these devices after the spate of injuries.
- Injuries include mild to severe eye damage, with some leading to vision loss.
- The devices became popular after being featured in social media videos and were sold cheaply in local markets.
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