His Metal Chain Pulled Him Into an MRI Machine—Now He’s Fighting for His Life

A 61-year-old man was critically injured at Nassau Open MRI in Westbury after his metal chain necklace was pulled into the MRI machine's powerful magnetic field. The incident, which occurred while the man was accompanying someone to the facility, reminds us why MRI safety is non-negotiable—not just for patients but for everyone in the area.

What Happened: A Preventable Tragedy

The incident occurred on a Wednesday afternoon when the man, who was not a patient, entered the MRI room while a scan was in progress. According to police, the machine’s magnetic field immediately attracted his metal chain, pulling him violently into the magnet. He suffered life-threatening injuries and was rushed to a nearby hospital in critical condition.

While investigations suggest this was an accident and there’s no sign of criminal wrongdoing, the event is a stark reminder that MRI magnets don’t play. In fact, they’re always “on,” even when the machine isn’t actively scanning. This means that any metal object—whether it’s a necklace, a set of keys, or even a paperclip—can become a dangerous projectile in an instant.

Unfortunately, incidents like this, while rare, are often preventable. According to a study published in the Journal of Magnetic Resonance Imaging (2020), about 70% of MRI-related adverse events could be avoided with proper adherence to safety protocols.

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