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Strong winds topple 24-meter Statue of Liberty replica in southern Brazil
In the southern city of Guaíba, Brazil, strong winds on December 15 caused the collapse of a 24-meter replica of the Statue of Liberty. The statue, a symbol of the Havan retail chain, fell in the parking lot of one of its stores in the metropolitan region of Porto Alegre, within the state of Rio Grande do Sul. Despite the dramatic scene, no injuries were reported.
Authorities had previously issued a red-level weather alert, advising residents to remain indoors, disconnect electrical appliances, and secure doors and windows. The collapse occurred as high winds swept through the area, leaving the parking lot nearly empty, which reduced the risk of harm.
Social media footage captured the moment as drivers attempted to move their cars away from the statue during its fall. Videos of the incident quickly circulated online, drawing attention to the structure’s dramatic collapse.
Havan, the company behind the replica, stated that all of its statues adhere to technical safety standards, including an ART (Annotation of Technical Responsibility). The Guaíba statue, installed in 2020 when the megastore opened, had been standing without incident until now. The company reiterated its commitment to safety, emphasizing that the well-being of customers, employees, and the community remains its top priority. A technical inspection will be conducted to investigate the cause of the collapse and determine necessary measures to prevent future incidents.
Local civil defense services confirmed they would also conduct an investigation to evaluate the structural failure and ensure public safety moving forward.
