A towering replica of the Statue of Liberty crashed to the ground in southern Brazil on Monday afternoon as powerful winds from a severe storm swept through the region. The dramatic fall happened outside a Havan megastore in Guaíba, near Porto Alegre, catching residents by surprise. No one was injured during the incident.
The storm brought heavy rain and gusts over 90 km/h, making the replica, a familiar landmark in the city, unable to withstand the force of the winds.
What Happened to the Havana Statue of Liberty Replica?
The large replica stood in the parking lot of the Havan store and measured roughly 35 metres tall, with the main statue portion about 24 metres above its base. During the peak of the storm, fierce winds pushed the structure off balance.
Footage shows the statue leaning under pressure before toppling forward and breaking apart on impact. The base remained largely upright, but the upper section was destroyed.
Local authorities and store officials say the area was nearly empty at the time, meaning no customers or staff were close enough to be harmed.
Severe Weather Alerts Before the Collapse
Before the statue fell, weather agencies had issued severe storm alerts for much of Rio Grande do Sul. These alerts warned of strong winds up to 100 km/h, heavy rain, and possible hail.
Residents in the region received warnings on their mobile phones urging them to stay indoors and avoid parking near trees, signs, and power lines.
Other nearby areas also experienced storm damage, including fallen trees, flooded roads, and local power outages.
How Officials Responded to the Collapse
Right after the statue fell, Havan staff and local emergency teams cordoned off the site to keep people safe. Workers started clearing debris soon after to reopen the area and prevent further hazards.
The company also issued a statement confirming that all of its statues, including the one in Guaíba, had required technical certifications when installed. They said the structure had been in place since the store opened in 2020.
Damage Beyond the Statue
The storm did more than just topple the statue. Cities across the greater Porto Alegre region reported damage to roofs, fallen trees, and local flooding due to heavy rainfall. Multiple neighborhoods lost power, and debris blocked several streets.
Some hail was also reported in neighboring towns as the powerful weather system moved through the state.
What’s Next After the Collapse?
Havan said it will conduct a detailed technical inspection of the fallen statue to determine whether the collapse was caused solely by the storm or if other factors played a part.
Local officials continue to monitor the weather forecast, which predicts that conditions should improve from Tuesday, although some rain may linger.
Authorities remind residents to stay alert during severe weather and follow safety advisories issued by meteorological agencies. The collapse of such a large structure without injuries is fortunate, but it highlights the strength of the recent storm system that passed through southern Brazil.