No casualties reported as intense winds and rain batter Guaíba
Replica Statue of Liberty collapses during storm
A replica of the Statue of Liberty was destroyed after collapsing during a severe storm in the southern Brazilian city of Guaíba, local authorities confirmed on Wednesday. The incident occurred amid intense winds and heavy rainfall, but no casualties were reported.
The structure, which stood at approximately 40 metres (114 feet), was installed in the parking area of a large retail complex operated by the Havan chain and had been a local landmark since its installation in 2020.
What happened
According to officials and company representatives, the statue began leaning under pressure from powerful winds before suddenly collapsing. Viral videos circulating on social media show the moment the structure gives way, drawing widespread attention online.
While the upper portion of the statue, measuring around 24 metres was severely damaged, the 11-metre-high base remained intact, company officials said.
Location and installation details
The replica was located near a fast-food outlet within the retail complex and was erected during the store’s inauguration as a symbolic attraction. Authorities have since secured the area to prevent further risks and are assessing structural safety in the vicinity.
Extreme weather concerns
Meteorological officials say southern Brazil has recently experienced volatile weather patterns, with storms bringing strong gusts, heavy rain and infrastructure damage. While the collapse caused no injuries, experts warn that large decorative structures and replicas may face heightened risk during extreme weather events.
Analysts say the incident underscores the need for stricter structural assessments and weather resilience planning, particularly as climate-related events grow more frequent and intense.
Original Statue of Liberty: A lasting symbol The original Statue of Liberty, located on Liberty Island in New York, holds a distinct place in American history and global culture. Known officially as “Liberty Enlightening the World,” the monument attracts millions of visitors each year and remains a powerful symbol of freedom and democracy worldwide.