A freak accident at Nassau Open MRI in Westbury, New York, left a 61‑year‑old man in critical condition—and deeply shaken—after he was magnetically pulled into a scanning machine while wearing a large metal necklace.
According to Nassau County police, the man entered an **unauthorized area** during an active MRI session on Wednesday afternoon and walked into the magnetic field while wearing a “large metallic chain around his neck.” He was **drawn forcefully into the scanner**, suffering what officers described as a “medical episode” on the spot. Actually wait wrong link.
First responders rushed him to North Shore University Hospital in critical condition. On Thursday, authorities confirmed he had succumbed to his injuries. People.com reports the tragic update, underscoring how dangerous **ignoring MRI protocols** can be.
“MRI magnets can turn necklaces into torpedoes—never wear metal in these rooms.”
Clinical experts stress MRI suites have strict rules for a reason. Patients are told to remove **all metallic items**, including jewelry, belts, and phone-enabled devices—because the magnetic field inside exceeds 1.5 Tesla, strong enough to fling metal like a projectile. AP News detailed the mechanism.
CBS New York confirmed the man wasn’t scheduled for a scan at the time—he was accompanying someone else. Witnesses told investigators he may have entered the scan room chasing after a relative, but police have yet to explain how he accessed the restricted area. CBS News covered the sequence.
“He rushed in to check on family—only to be pulled in by a magnet. Heartbreaking.”
Dr. Payal Sud of North Shore University Hospital told reporters this case is a **harrowing cautionary tale**, noting it could cause **strangulation, spinal trauma, or asphyxiation** if metal is caught during the pull. Every MRI facility zones its rooms—Zone 3 and 4 require strict screening to prevent exactly this. People.com also quotes her warning.
Sky News highlighted just how **forceful** the MRI magnet can be—“strong enough to fling a wheelchair across the room.” Sky News warns on the incredible power at play.
Within hours of the incident, Nassau County police sealed the MRI suite and began an investigation into facility safety procedures. Nassau Open MRI has declined further comment beyond confirming the scan area was restricted and patient screening is standard protocol. Sky highlights facility silence.
This isn’t the first time someone’s underestimated MRI dangers. Last year, a hospital in Florida reported minor injuries after a wheelchair was flung toward the magnet. But fatalities are rare—until metal jewelry or oxygen tanks make their way inside. CBS notes rarity.
Hospitals across the country are now reviewing their **Zone IV safety checkpoints**, bolstering training to prevent unauthorized entry. Technicians are being reminded to enforce the “No Metal” rule more strictly and maintain constant watch when scans are in progress.
Public reaction has been a mix of shock and calls for accountability. Many wonder how the man penetrated restricted areas. Some are applauding the medical team’s swift response—but all agree the emphasis must be on preventing such tragedies. People underscored community shock.
“A moment of panic, a metal chain—and a life is lost. MRI safety isn’t optional.”
Medical safety experts are urging hospitals to re-examine their protocols: add signage, double-check screening questions, and deploy emergency sleep switches or alarms so scans can be halted instantly when someone breaches the magnet room.
As investigations continue, the case is being cited as a teachable moment. The magnetic force unleashed inside an MRI room is no movie magic—it’s a silent risk weapon hiding in plain sight, capable of tragedy if rules are ignored even once.
For now, hospitals nationwide are reinforcing that **“Patients and visitors must remove all metal before entering MRI areas.”** This incident drives home that tiny oversight can lead to catastrophic consequences.
