Authorities said that a South Carolina judge’s beach mansion caught fire on Saturday, killing three people. According to the Post and Courier, the event occurred at midday, billowing heavy smoke into the air from Circuit Court Judge Diana Goodstein’s Edisto Beach home. Her husband, former state senator Arnold Goodstein (D-Charleston), had to jump from the first floor to escape the fire.
Later, paramedics and neighbors rescued Mr. Goodstein and two others. According to fellow resident Tom Peterson, the area behind the three-story home was completely destroyed by fire. According to the St. Paul’s Fire District, emergency responders in kayaks rescued the individuals from the secluded spot.
Capt. KC Campbell of Colleton County Fire Rescue claimed that one individual was airlifted to the Medical University of South Carolina. The other two occupants who were with the judge’s husband have yet to be identified. According to FitsNews, Arnold had to be flown after breaking many bones in his hips, legs, and feet while trying to escape the three-story building. The remaining two were taken to the Medical University of South Carolina on the ground.
Fortunately, Diana Goodstein was not home when her house caught fire. The Post and Courier said that she had been strolling her dogs on a beach.
Meanwhile, the health of the three people who were rescued has not been revealed. According to reports, the cause of the big fire is now unknown. The State Law Enforcement Division is presently investigating the event.
Diane Goodstein is a South Carolina native. She was elected to her first judicial position in May 1998. Since then, Goodstein has continued to serve. According to official records, her husband, Arnold, served in the South Carolina House and Senate throughout the 1970s. According to the Nerve, he was a Democrat from Charleston County. Mr. Goodstein was also involved in other ventures, including leading Summerville Homes. It was a large homebuilding company that ceased down in 2008. According to The Nerve, the company has filed for bankruptcy in the amount of $61 million.
