Overview

• Keith McAllister was pulled into a 3-tesla MRI scanner at Nassau Open MRI in Westbury on July 16 after the powerful magnet attracted the 9 kg chain he wore.
• He was transferred to a local hospital in critical condition and died the following day from injuries sustained in the incident.
• Nassau County Police and health regulators have launched a probe into why pre-scan safety checks failed to block unauthorized entry and detect ferromagnetic objects.
• The imaging center has not publicly detailed any changes to its metal-screening protocols or staff training since the accident.
• Radiology authorities warn that MRI magnets can hurl metallic items at high speed and are urging stricter access controls, metal detectors and regular safety audits.