Summary: An MRI explosion occurred during decommissioning at Polokwane Provincial Hospital in South Africa, injuring three people. The hospital used a mobile X-ray unit as a replacement and referred patients to nearby hospitals. An investigation into the incident has been requested.
Key Takeaways:
- Three people were injured during an MRI explosion at Polokwane Provincial Hospital.
- The hospital switched to a mobile x-ray unit to continue patient care.
- An investigation into the cause of the explosion has been requested by a local organization.
A technician and two hospital employees were injured by an MRI explosion at the Polokwane Provincial Hospital in South Africa.
Incident Details
According to a local news report, a technician from a private service provider was in the process of decommissioning the MRI, which included a procedure to release excess pressure from the equipment, when the explosion occurred.
Aftermath and Hospital Response
There were no fatalities from the incident, but there was damage to the hospital. The facility was able to switch to the use of a mobile x-ray unit to help patients in place of the damaged MRI machine. The hospital also arranged for referrals to other nearby hospitals for its patients.
Investigation and Statements
It is unknown if the explosion was due to an error by the technician, but according to the article, the Democratic Nursing Organisation of South Africa stated that it wanted an investigation into the nature of the incident.
