A towering replica of the Statue of Liberty collapsed in the Brazilian city of Guaíba after violent winds swept through the region during a severe storm on Monday afternoon. The dramatic incident, which was captured on video and widely shared online, did not result in any injuries, according to local authorities and the company that owns the structure.
The nearly 40-metre-tall statue was installed in the parking area of a Havan retail megastore, located near a fast-food outlet. As a line of intense storms moved across southern Brazil, powerful gusts battered the area, causing the upper section of the statue to bend before eventually toppling to the ground.
Video footage from the scene showed the statue visibly leaning under the force of the wind moments before it collapsed and shattered. The head of the replica was crushed on impact, breaking into pieces as it hit the ground.
The structure measured approximately 114 feet in total height and was one of several Statue of Liberty replicas placed outside Havan stores across Brazil as part of the company’s branding. According to local reports, only the upper portion of the statue, measuring about 24 metres, was affected by the collapse, while the 11-metre pedestal remained standing.
In a statement, Havan confirmed that the statue had been installed when the store opened in 2020 and had all required technical and safety certifications. The company said the affected area was immediately sealed off to ensure the safety of customers and staff, while specialized teams were deployed to clear debris within hours.
Both local officials and company representatives confirmed that no injuries were recorded. The incident has since drawn attention to the impact of extreme weather events in southern Brazil, as authorities continue to monitor storm activity across the region.
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