‘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
Mistrial denied in case of officer charged with child endangerment and abandonment in Uvalde school shooting

Court Rejects Mistrial Motion for Officer Accused of Child Endangerment and Abandonment in Uvalde School Shooting Case

Uvalde school officer Adrian Gonzales is currently facing trial on allegations of…
Video of ICE shooting in Minneapolis inspires Jacksonville rally amid national outrage

Nationwide Outrage Ignites Jacksonville Rally: ICE Shooting in Minneapolis Captured on Video Sparks Action

A video capturing a fatal incident between an ICE agent and a…
Disney is most-nominated at 37th annual GLAAD Media Awards across ABC, Disney+, Hulu, Nat Geo and more

Disney Leads the Pack with Most Nominations at 37th GLAAD Media Awards Across ABC, Disney+, and More

GLAAD has unveiled the nominees for its 37th Annual Media Awards, with…
NYC Council Speaker Menin says commission must study if local politicians deserve raises

NYC Council Speaker Menin Advocates for Commission to Evaluate Potential Pay Raises for Local Politicians

Local politicians anticipating a swift salary increase this year may find themselves…
Photos released of Renee Nicole Good, the US citizen killed by ICE in Minnesota

Tragic Unveiling: Exclusive Photos of Renee Nicole Good, the US Citizen Fatally Shot by ICE in Minnesota

Images have been made public of Renee Nicole Good, the American citizen…
Florida boater accused of killing teen in crash avoids jail time with plea deal

Florida Boater Strikes Plea Deal, Escapes Jail in Teen Crash Case

A man has confessed to being involved in a tragic boating accident…
Familiar groups mobilize immediately after ICE shooting of Minnesota protester

Community Activists Rally After ICE-Involved Shooting in Minnesota Sparks Outcry

Following a Minnesota protest that turned deadly, a network of activists quickly…
'Irregular' armed guards aboard Russian shadow tankers alarm Nordic-Baltic governments

Nordic-Baltic Tensions Rise as ‘Irregular’ Armed Guards Patrol Russian Shadow Tankers

The recent capture of an oil tanker with Russian connections in the…
ICE agents involved in Minneapolis shooting during 'largest immigration operation ever'

Massive Immigration Operation in Minneapolis: ICE Agents Linked to Shooting Incident

According to on-site journalists, over a hundred federal agents swiftly converged on…
Notorious 'Torso Killer' confesses to another killing

Infamous ‘Torso Killer’ Admits to Additional Murder, Unveiling Decades-Old Mystery

The Fair Lawn Police Department revealed on Tuesday the resolution of the…
Giants have dinner with Kevin Stefanski ahead of head coach interview

New York Giants Dine with Kevin Stefanski Before Crucial Head Coach Interview

Kevin Stefanski had a notable dinner engagement that left a lasting impression.…
Salt Lake City mass shooting: At least 8 people shot, 2 fatally, at LDS Mormon church in Salt Lake City, Utah, police say

Tragic Shooting at Salt Lake City LDS Church Leaves 2 Dead and 6 Injured, Authorities Report

In a tragic turn of events in Salt Lake City, two individuals…