CAT scan machine catches fire while in use

SANFORD – A CAT scan machine caught fire on its first day of use at Goodall Hospital.

A patient was inside the machine Tuesday when the fire started but was quickly removed, and no one was hurt, hospital spokesman John Martins said.

A technician and a representative from Toshiba, the manufacturer, heard a popping noise and saw smoke while scanning the patient, Martins said.

Firefighters shut off electricity to the machine, took it apart and used carbon dioxide to extinguish the fire, according to Fire Captain Paul Morrison.

The machine had undergone four days of testing without incident, Martins said.