WAXHAW, N.C.,None — A Waxhaw business caught fire early Thursday, causing officials to shut down Highway 16 during the morning commute.
• IMAGES: Fire Damages Waxhaw Business
Flames broke out at the Waxhaw Universal Karate Studio a little before 6 a.m., causing extensive damage to the inside of the building, which is located on North Broome Street in downtown Waxhaw. Two neighboring businesses -- a consignment shop and a convenience store -- were also damaged. A barber shop is located in the same shopping center, but it was not damaged.
The damage to the karate studio will have a significant impact, chief instructor Tony White said, but added that community members have already offered their help. Though White said it's heartbreaking to lose so much, he's just glad no one was hurt in the fire.
"All things work together for good, for those who love the Lord, and we are very grateful that the material things that have been destroyed can be restored," he said.
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The cause of the fire is not yet known.