A dramatic incident from southern Brazil has captured global attention after a 24-metre-tall replica of the Statue of Liberty collapsed during a powerful storm. The incident occurred on December 15 in Guaíba, a city in the state of Rio Grande do Sul, and was recorded in multiple videos that are now widely circulating on social media. Fortunately, no injuries were reported, as the area had been cleared moments before the structure fell.

🚨#BREAKING: Watch wild footage as a replica of the Statue of Liberty topples over after being battered by powerful winds. The dramatic collapse unfolded in Guaíba, Brazil as severe weather swept through the area, sending the towering structure crashing to the ground and… pic.twitter.com/3mAY5SQuHC

— SatyaSpeaks (@shiteshJha21) December 16, 2025

What Happened in Guaíba

According to local authorities, Guaíba was hit by a severe storm accompanied by strong winds, with gusts reaching speeds of 80 to 90 km/h. The intense weather conditions caused the towering Statue of Liberty replica, installed outside a Havan megastore, to slowly tilt and eventually collapse into an empty parking lot.

The entire sequence of the collapse was captured on camera, showing the statue bending under pressure before crashing to the ground. The visuals quickly went viral, drawing reactions from across the world due to the iconic nature of the structure.

Installation and Structural Details

The statue had been installed in 2020 and reportedly carried engineering certification, ensuring compliance with technical and safety standards at the time of construction. Officials confirmed that while the 11-metre-high base of the structure remained intact, the upper portion failed under the extreme wind conditions.

Havan, the retail chain that owns the statue, stated that the structure was designed to withstand normal weather conditions, but the intensity of the storm exceeded expected limits.

Swift Evacuation Prevents Injuries

One of the most critical aspects of the incident was the timely evacuation of the area. Store staff immediately cleared the surroundings as weather conditions worsened, preventing customers or employees from being near the statue at the time of collapse.

Guaíba Mayor Marcelo Maranata confirmed that no casualties were reported and praised the rapid response of store staff and emergency services. Within hours of the incident, cleanup operations were initiated to remove debris and secure the site.

Official Warnings Were Issued in Advance

Brazil’s Civil Defense (Defesa Civil) had already issued alerts warning residents about strong winds, storms, and dangerous weather conditions. Citizens were advised to stay away from open areas, trees, signboards, and tall structures.

Meteorological agencies explained that the storm was caused by a low-pressure system, resulting from the collision of warm and cold air masses over Rio Grande do Sul. This interaction led to dense cloud formation, thunderstorms, and high-speed winds across several regions.

Authorities emphasized that these early warning systems played a crucial role in ensuring public safety during the extreme weather event.

Not an Isolated Incident

Havan has installed multiple Statue of Liberty replicas across Brazil, all of which reportedly have technical approvals and engineering clearance. However, this is not the first time such a structure has collapsed due to strong winds.

In 2021, a similar replica in Capão da Canoa fell after wind speeds reached 70–80 km/h. That incident also resulted in property damage only, with no injuries reported. These repeated events have now raised questions about the storm resistance of such large decorative structures.

Investigation and Preventive Measures

Following the latest collapse, Havan announced that a technical investigation has been launched to determine the exact cause of the failure. While the store remained operational, access to the affected area was restricted for safety reasons.

The company also confirmed that it is conducting a comprehensive evaluation of all Statue of Liberty replicas at its stores nationwide, focusing on their ability to withstand extreme weather conditions. Necessary reinforcements or redesigns may be implemented to prevent similar incidents in the future.

Social Media Reactions

Videos of the collapsing statue spread rapidly on social platforms, triggering a mix of concern, relief, and humor. While many users expressed gratitude that no one was hurt, others questioned the structural integrity of large symbolic installations in storm-prone areas.

A Reminder of Extreme Weather Risks

The collapse of the Statue of Liberty replica in Guaíba serves as a stark reminder of the growing impact of extreme weather events. As storms become more frequent and intense, authorities and businesses alike are being urged to reassess safety standards for large outdoor structures.

While the incident ended without loss of life, it has sparked an important conversation about preparedness, infrastructure resilience, and public safety in the face of unpredictable climate conditions.