In a bizarre and frightening turn of events, a 61-year-old man from Long Island is now in critical condition after being pulled into an MRI machine — all because he was wearing a metal necklace.
The incident happened on Wednesday, July 16, at a medical imaging center in Westbury, New York, according to Nassau County Police. It’s unclear why the man was even inside the MRI room, as he wasn’t scheduled for a scan and reportedly wasn’t authorized to be there.
🧲 What Went Wrong?
Witnesses say the man may have rushed into the room after hearing a relative — believed to be a patient — scream during their scan. Despite repeated warnings from staff to stay out, the man entered the room while still wearing a metal chain necklace.
The man was wearing a metallic necklace (Getty Stock Photo)
Big mistake.
As CBS News reported, the powerful magnetic field of the MRI machine immediately yanked the man toward it with incredible force. This type of magnet is over 20,000 times stronger than the Earth’s natural magnetic field, according to the UCSF Department of Radiology.
⚠️ Why Metal in MRI Rooms Is a Huge No-No
According to Dr. Payal Sud from North Shore University Hospital, any metal object — even small ones like paper clips or hairpins — can become dangerous projectiles inside an MRI room.
“The dangers could be catastrophic. That’s why we enforce strict safety rules,” said Sud in her interview with CBS News.
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Another hospital expert, Charles Winterfeldt, described it best:
“It would act like a torpedo trying to get to the center of the magnet.”
There are a number of precautions when it comes to MRI machines (Getty Stock Photo)
In this case, the man’s necklace may have caused strangulation or spinal injuries, making the outcome far more severe.
🏥 Current Condition & Safety Reminder
The man was rushed to a nearby hospital and is currently in critical condition, according to reports from PIX11.
While such accidents are extremely rare, they underscore the importance of following MRI safety protocols. Even well-meaning actions — like checking on a loved one — can turn tragic if rules are ignored.
🧠 Quick MRI Safety Tips:
- ❌ No metal (jewelry, keys, belts, etc.)
- ✅ Inform staff about implants or pacemakers
- ❌ Stay out of MRI zones unless you’re authorized
- ✅ Always follow staff instructions
For more on MRI safety and protocols, check out this guide by UCSF Radiology.
Stay safe, stay informed, and leave your bling at home when near an MRI machine.
It might just save your life.
