Westbury, NY — A tragic incident has claimed the life of a 61-year-old man who sustained critical injuries after being pulled into an active MRI machine while wearing a metal chain, Nassau County police confirmed on Friday.
The fatal accident occurred Wednesday afternoon at Nassau Open MRI, a diagnostic imaging center located in Westbury, Long Island. According to authorities, the man entered an active MRI room without authorization during a scan in progress. The powerful magnetic force of the machine attracted the large metal chain he was wearing around his neck, violently pulling him toward the scanner.
“The male victim entered an unauthorized Magnetic Resonance Imaging (MRI) room while the scan was in progress,” the police statement read. “The metallic chain he wore caused him to be drawn into the machine, resulting in a severe medical episode.”
Emergency responders arrived quickly after a 911 call was placed from the facility. The man, whose identity has not yet been released pending family notification, was transported in critical condition to a nearby hospital. He succumbed to his injuries and was pronounced dead on Thursday afternoon.
The Nassau County Police Department has launched a full investigation into the circumstances surrounding the event. It remains unclear how the victim was able to access the MRI room during an active scan or whether safety protocols were breached.
MRI (Magnetic Resonance Imaging) technology uses powerful magnetic fields to produce highly detailed images of the body’s internal structures. Due to the machine’s intense magnetic strength, strict safety procedures are in place at medical imaging centers. Patients and anyone entering MRI suites are typically required to remove all metallic objects—including jewelry, accessories, and even certain types of clothing—before entering the room.
The Nassau Open MRI facility, which operates multiple locations across New York, provides both open and closed MRI scans, offering alternatives for patients who may experience claustrophobia during traditional scans. The company has not yet issued a public statement regarding the incident.
The tragic accident has prompted questions about facility protocols and access control within high-risk medical environments. While rare, MRI-related injuries involving metal objects have been documented in the past, highlighting the importance of rigorous screening and oversight.
The victim’s death serves as a stark reminder of the hidden dangers associated with MRI technology when safety measures are not strictly enforced. The ongoing investigation will likely determine whether human error, equipment failure, or procedural lapses played a role.
Authorities have urged the public and medical staff alike to treat MRI environments with utmost caution and to adhere to all safety guidelines to prevent future tragedies.
Anyone with information regarding the incident is urged to contact the Nassau County Police Department.
