What began as a typical stormy day in southern Brazil took a dramatic and surreal turn when a colossal replica of the Statue of Liberty came crashing down. The incident occurred on December 15 outside a Havan department store in Guaíba, Rio Grande do Sul, as powerful winds battered the region, creating a viral spectacle and raising safety concerns.
The Dramatic Collapse Caught on Camera
Videos circulating online captured the shocking moment the 24-metre tall statue, mounted on an 11-metre base, began to tilt ominously before plunging into the store's parking lot. The structure, which had stood at the location since 2020, succumbed to fierce wind gusts estimated between 80 to 90 km/h. Meteorologists had issued prior warnings, but the storm's intensity still caught many by surprise. The visual was so striking it appeared lifted from a disaster film.
Miraculously, the incident resulted in no injuries. A combination of an empty parking lot and the swift actions of bystanders who moved vehicles out of harm's way prevented what could have been a tragedy. The statue's base remained intact upon impact.
Official Response and Wider Storm Impact
Marcelo Maranata, the Mayor of Guaíba, quickly addressed the public via social media to confirm the event and reassure residents. He praised the Havan staff for their prompt response in cordoning off the area. The company stated it followed safety protocols and began debris clearance within hours, without needing to close the store.
This was not an isolated event. Large parts of Rio Grande do Sul state were severely affected. The Defesa Civil (Civil Defence) sent urgent cell phone alerts, overriding silent modes, warning citizens of strong winds, potential falling objects, and unstable structures. People were advised to avoid open spaces, trees, billboards, and tall structures.
The extreme weather was attributed to a clash between extreme heat and a sudden cold front. Other towns reported significant damage: Tio Hugo experienced hail, while Passo Fundo, Santa Cruz do Sul, and Vera Cruz saw roofs damaged. Lajeado faced localised flooding from heavy rain, though authorities managed to keep the situation under control. Cleanup crews were deployed across affected areas to remove fallen branches and debris.
Safety Reviews and a History of Collapses
Havan, a Brazilian retail chain famous for installing giant Statue of Liberty replicas at its stores nationwide, asserts all its statues are built with proper engineering approvals. While the company maintains the Guaíba statue met technical standards, it has initiated an internal investigation to determine the precise cause of the failure. Engineers are also inspecting similar statues at other locations to ensure their safety.
This incident echoes a past event. In 2021, another Havan-owned Statue of Liberty replica collapsed in Capão da Canoa during a cyclone, also without causing injuries.
As videos of the latest collapse continue to spread online, reactions mix relief with humorous takes on Lady Liberty's fall. The event underscores a pressing issue for officials: urging heightened public caution during extreme weather, especially near tall landmarks. With storms growing increasingly unpredictable, this incident prompts serious questions about the resilience of such structures when nature unleashes its full force.
