Statue of Liberty collapses in Brazil storm, massive replica crashes during 90 kmph winds
- A powerful storm brought down a 40-metre Statue of Liberty replica in southern Brazil, smashing its head and torch but leaving everyone unharmed.
Statue of Liberty collapses in Brazil storm after violent winds tore through the southern city of Guaíba on Monday afternoon, bringing down a towering replica of the iconic monument and sending shockwaves across the region.
The nearly 40-metre-tall (around 114 feet) Statue of Liberty replica, installed in the parking area of a Havan retail megastore, collapsed amid intense gusts as a severe storm system moved across Rio Grande do Sul. Dramatic videos circulating online show the structure tilting dangerously before crashing to the ground, with its head, arm, and torch breaking apart on impact.
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No injuries reported despite vehicles nearby
Local authorities confirmed that no injuries were reported, even though several vehicles were parked beneath the statue at the time of the collapse. Officials said the area was not crowded when the incident occurred, which helped prevent casualties.
The replica was installed when the Havan store opened in 2020 and served as a prominent brand symbol for the department store chain, which has placed similar statues outside multiple outlets across Brazil.
What caused the collapse?
According to weather authorities, wind speeds reached up to 90 kmph, with some areas reporting even stronger gusts. The state Civil Defence had issued red alerts earlier in the day, warning residents about extreme winds, heavy rain, and possible structural damage.
Havan, in an official statement, said the statue had all required engineering approvals and technical responsibility certifications at the time of installation. The company clarified that only the upper section of the statue, measuring approximately 24 metres, was damaged, while the pedestal remained intact.
A detailed technical inspection has now been ordered to determine whether factors beyond extreme weather—such as structural stress or foundation issues—may have contributed to the collapse.
Mayor confirms swift response
Guaíba Mayor Marcelo Maranata confirmed that emergency teams acted quickly to secure the site. “There were no victims. Our teams worked alongside Civil Defence to isolate the area and ensure public safety,” he said.
Debris removal began within hours, and access to the affected section of the parking lot remains restricted as inspections continue. The retail store stayed operational in unaffected areas.
Storm impact across southern Brazil
The storm system caused widespread disruption across Rio Grande do Sul, with reports of hailstorms, uprooted trees, damaged roofs, power outages, and flooded streets. Meteorologists said the extreme conditions were triggered by a cold front, leading to sudden and forceful wind activity.
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Weather officials have indicated that conditions are expected to gradually improve from Tuesday, although intermittent rainfall may persist in some areas.
Viral videos and public attention
Footage of the statue’s collapse spread rapidly on social media, drawing global attention. The visuals show motorists attempting to move their vehicles as winds intensified, moments before the structure gave way.
Search interest for terms related to the incident surged in India and other countries, highlighting the scale of public curiosity surrounding the dramatic collapse of the famous replica.
What happens next?
Civil Defence officials said the final investigation report will guide future safety measures for large outdoor structures in storm-prone regions. Havan has stated it will cooperate fully with authorities and take corrective steps based on the findings.
For now, the fallen statue stands as a stark reminder of the growing intensity of weather events and the importance of continuous structural safety assessments.
