A powerful storm sweeping through southern Brazil caused dramatic damage on Monday afternoon when a towering replica of the Statue of Liberty collapsed in the city of Guaíba. The structure, standing close to 40 metres tall, was toppled by intense winds, though authorities confirmed that no one was injured in the incident.
The replica was installed outside a large Havan retail complex, near a busy fast-food outlet. As violent gusts tore through the area, video footage captured the statue swaying dangerously before giving way. Moments later, the upper portion crashed to the ground, shattering on impact and leaving the statue’s head destroyed.
Strong Winds Behind the Collapse
Weather officials reported wind speeds crossing 90 kmph as a severe storm line moved across Rio Grande do Sul. The force of the wind proved too much for the massive structure, despite it having stood at the location since 2020.
Havan, which owns the replica, clarified that the collapse affected only the upper segment of the statue—around 24 metres high—while the pedestal beneath it remained standing. The company stated that the installation had undergone all necessary technical checks at the time it was erected.
Swift Response Prevents Casualties
Emergency action was taken immediately after the collapse. The affected area was sealed off to ensure public safety, and debris removal teams arrived within hours. Guaíba’s mayor, Marcelo Maranata, confirmed there were no casualties and praised the coordinated response between municipal workers and state Civil Defence teams.
While the retail outlet continued operating in sections untouched by the incident, access to the surrounding area remained restricted pending inspection.
Storm Leaves Widespread Impact
The storm that brought down the statue affected large parts of southern Brazil. Several locations reported fallen trees, roof damage, hailstorms, temporary power cuts, and waterlogging on streets. Meteorological agencies attributed the sudden weather shift to a cold front that triggered violent winds.
The National Institute of Meteorology kept weather alerts active, warning residents of wind gusts that could reach up to 100 kmph. Officials expect conditions to gradually stabilise, although intermittent rainfall may persist.
A detailed technical assessment will now be conducted to determine whether extreme weather alone caused the collapse or if structural factors also played a role.