(CMR) – A shocking incident occurred last month in São Paulo, Brazil, when a man was fatally shot in the abdomen after a concealed weapon he was wearing accidentally fired close to an active MRI machine. The victim was identified as Leandro Mathias de Novaes, a 40-year-old lawyer.
According to reports, Mr. de Novaes brought the gun into the room where his mother was scheduled to receive an MRI at the Laboratorio Cura. On January 17, the magnetic field from the MRI machine caused the gun to fire, resulting in a shot to the man's stomach. Despite being taken to the hospital, Mr. de Novaes died from his injuries on February 6.
Clinical staff has reportedly stated that both de Novaes and his mother were instructed to leave all metal items outside of the scanning room as part of standard procedure. The facility had safety procedures in place, and both the lawyer and his mother signed a document related to them. However, Mr. de Novaes failed to disclose his weapon and entered the room “by his own decision,” according to a hospital official.
According to reports, a spokesperson for the medical facility confirmed that all accident prevention protocols were followed by the staff. “We would like to emphasize that all accident prevention protocols were followed by the Cura team, as is customary in all units,” the spokesperson said in a statement to The Telegraph.
The lawyer has expressed pro-gun views to his 12,000 followers on TikTok, according to The Telegraph. Authorities confirmed that the firearm was legally registered and the owner had a valid gun license.
Leandro Mathias de Novaes on TikTok
The Order of Attorneys of Brazil in Cotia expressed their deepest sympathies for the loss of their fellow lawyer. They shared:
“It is with deep regret that OAB Cotia communicates to all fellow lawyers the unexpected loss of our dear friend and lawyer Dr. Leandro Mathia de Novaes. We are sorry for the loss and we sympathize with his family in this moment of pain.”
The tragic incident has sparked a debate on the need for stricter security measures in medical facilities, particularly with regard to metal detectors and the safekeeping of weapons.
The hospital has initiated an investigation into the matter, and police are also conducting a separate inquiry to determine the circumstances surrounding the discharge of the weapon. The incident has raised concerns about the importance of following safety procedures, especially in situations where metal detectors are in use.
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