‘We’re trapped!’: Panicked 911 audio from South Carolina fire where judge’s husband leapt to safety
Share this @internewscast.com

EXCLUSIVE ON FOX: Heartbreaking 911 recordings from an October blaze that destroyed the home of a South Carolina judge reveal her son urgently informing dispatchers that four individuals were trapped on the second floor as flames consumed the lower level. The situation escalated with several explosions resonating throughout the upscale waterfront neighborhood.

Though deputies initially described the fire as “suspicious,” an incident report acquired by Fox News Digital indicates that detectives did not uncover any “obvious signs of criminal activity.” The house belonged to a well-known judge who had received “documented threats.” Additionally, authorities expressed concern about potential targeted attacks within the Jewish community.

Fox News Digital obtained the 911 calls and dispatch logs through a public records request.

“We’re trapped,” the caller urgently relayed to a dispatcher. “Trapped inside the house!”

Aerial view of a house on fire

The devastating fire erupted at the home of Judge Diane Goodstein, injuring her husband, a Vietnam War veteran, along with other family members. Fortunately, everyone managed to escape the inferno.

Judge Goodstein, who was outside walking her dogs when the fire ignited, remained unaccounted for by her family initially. Her son is heard instructing her husband to contact her while he remained on the line with emergency services.

Arnold Goodstein, the judge’s 81-year-old husband — a former state lawmaker and Vietnam War veteran who earned two Bronze Stars — jumped out a window to safety.

Listen to the 911 audio from Arnold Goodstein II:

“I’ve broke my legs,” he can be heard saying in the 911 audio. “Help!”

Aerial view of a house on fire

A fire broke out at a South Carolina judge’s home, injuring her Vietnam War veteran husband and other family members inside. (Robby Borden/TMX)

Several minutes later, his son, Arnold Goodstein II, told the dispatcher that the people still inside had escaped the burning building, but his father was injured.

“We jumped,” he said. “He’s 81. He hurt his leg.”

And they weren’t out of danger yet. The younger Goodstein and another man could be heard expressing concern that the flames would reach the home’s propane tank.

sc judge diane goodstein in court

Circuit Judge Diane Goodstein presides over a trial in a lawsuit between the Diocese of South Carolina and the national Episcopal church on July 8, 2014, in St. George, S.C.  (AP Photo/Jeffrey Collins, File)

“Get to the water, to just be safe,” another voice said, possibly a first responder.

“I’m worried about the propane tank,” the younger Goodstein replied.

“Oh, that s— is gonna blow,” the other man responded.

An incident report obtained by Fox News Digital mentions “several notable explosions” witnessed by residents and first responders.

Flames and dark smoke billowing out of a waterfront mansion

Flames engulfed the waterfront home on Edisto Island. (St. Paul Fire District)

Two other people also suffered injuries, but ultimately, everyone made it out alive.

More than a dozen other callers contacted 911 to report seeing smoke and flames from the surrounding neighborhood and nearby beaches.

Judge Goodstein has been on the bench since 1998. Earlier this year, she ruled against the Justice Department in a dispute over voter data with the South Carolina elections commission, but she was later overruled by a higher court.

Investigators later said that they found no evidence of arson.

Share this @internewscast.com
You May Also Like
8-year-old boy suffers concussion, broken bone after part of ceiling collapses at Hanford elementary school in California

Shocking Incident: Ceiling Collapse at Hanford School Injures 8-Year-Old Boy

In Hanford, California, 8-year-old James Harrah stood out on Monday, sporting an…
Blue Island man Derek Rucker pleads guilty of of battering several women, police officer in Chicago, Evanston, CPD and docs show

Blue Island Resident Derek Rucker Admits to Assaulting Multiple Women and a Police Officer in Chicago and Evanston, According to Authorities

A man from Blue Island has admitted to a series of assaults…
Government slowly reopens after 43-day shutdown but travel snags linger

Government Gradually Resumes Operations Following 43-Day Shutdown; Travel Challenges Persist

The federal government has begun a gradual reopening process after President Trump…
Fox News ‘Antisemitism Exposed’ Newsletter: Barstool boss feels the hate

Fox News Unveils ‘Antisemitism Exposed’ Newsletter: Barstool Sports CEO Shares Personal Encounter with Hate

Stay informed with Fox News’ “Antisemitism Exposed” newsletter, which sheds light on…
Riverdale Mayor Lawrence Jackson convicted on perjury, obstruction of justice charges, federal prosecutors say

Riverdale Mayor Lawrence Jackson Found Guilty of Perjury and Obstruction, Federal Prosecutors Announce

RIVERDALE, Ill. – The mayor of Riverdale, a suburb south of Chicago,…
Trump’s America First strategy builds deterrence through strong US-Israel alliance, experts say

Experts Highlight Strengthened US-Israel Alliance as a Pillar of Trump’s America First Strategy for Deterrence

Once dismissed as isolationist, Donald Trump’s “America First” strategy is now being…
Golden Bachelor Finale: Mel finds love with Peg

Golden Bachelor Finale Surprise: Mel Chooses Peg as His Heart’s True Match

The anticipation for the “Golden Bachelor” finale reached its peak as viewers…
Will Cuylle, Vincent Trocheck score two each as Rangers beat Lightning 7-3

Rangers Dominate Lightning: Cuylle and Trocheck Shine with Double Goals in 7-3 Victory

TAMPA — In a stunning display of offensive prowess, the New York…
Harvest Megachurch Sued Over Alleged Romanian Child Abuse

Lawsuit Filed Against Harvest Megachurch for Alleged Child Abuse in Romania

Harvest Christian Fellowship in Riverside, California, led by prominent pastor Greg Laurie,…
Oklahoma ammonia gas leak prompts hundreds of evacuations as at least 36 people hospitalized

Mass Evacuations in Oklahoma After Ammonia Gas Leak Hospitalizes 36 Residents

A hazardous ammonia gas leak in Oklahoma led to the evacuation of…
Trump faces Middle East test as Netanyahu balks at Erdogan’s Gaza troop hopes

Trump Confronts Middle East Tensions: Netanyahu Rejects Erdogan’s Proposal for Gaza Troop Deployment

President Donald Trump is currently grappling with a critical decision that could…
US Catholic bishops vote to officially prohibit gender transition treatment at Catholic hospitals

US Catholic Bishops’ Groundbreaking Decision: Gender Transition Treatments Banned in Catholic Hospitals

On Wednesday, U.S. Catholic bishops voted decisively to implement a formal prohibition…