Full Breakdown
Replica of Statue of Liberty Collapses in Brazil Amid Severe Storm
12/16/2025, 7:44:54 AM
Incident Overview
On December 15, 2025, a 24-metre (79-foot) replica of the Statue of Liberty collapsed in Guaíba, a city in Brazil's Rio Grande do Sul state, due to severe storm conditions. The structure, located outside a Havan megastore, fell during a storm that produced wind gusts exceeding 90 km/h. Fortunately, the incident did not result in any injuries or property damage, as the area was nearly empty at the time of the collapse.
Background & Context
The statue was installed in 2020 and was mounted on an 11-metre concrete base. Havan, the retail chain that owns the statue, has a history of placing large replicas of the Statue of Liberty outside its stores across Brazil. This incident is reminiscent of a similar collapse in 2021, when another Havan replica fell during a cyclone in Capão da Canoa, raising concerns about the structural integrity of such installations during extreme weather events.
Emergency Response
In response to the storm, Brazil’s civil defence agency, Defesa Civil, issued emergency alerts warning residents of strong winds and the risk of falling structures. The agency confirmed that the storm was caused by a clash between intense heat and an advancing cold front, leading to severe weather across the region, including hailstorms and localized flooding. Quick actions by store employees and bystanders helped clear vehicles from the vicinity just before the statue fell, preventing potential injuries.
Official Statements & Responses
Guaíba Mayor Marcelo Maranata acknowledged the severity of the weather conditions and credited the rapid preventive measures taken by local authorities and store personnel for avoiding casualties. Havan stated that the statue had been certified by engineers and built according to technical standards. Following the incident, the company announced an internal investigation to assess why the structure failed under the extreme weather conditions.
Criticism & Opposition
Despite Havan's assurances regarding safety standards, the repeated incidents involving their replicas have led to increased scrutiny over the resilience of such structures during severe weather. Critics argue that the company and local authorities must reassess safety protocols and engineering standards for outdoor installations, especially in regions prone to extreme weather.
What's Next
In the aftermath of the collapse, engineering teams are conducting inspections to evaluate the structural vulnerabilities of similar installations. Authorities are emphasizing the importance of early warnings and regular reviews of large outdoor structures to prevent future incidents. As climate-related extreme weather events become more frequent, both public and private entities are under pressure to enhance safety measures for prominent outdoor structures.
Verbatim Quotes
- “Retailer Havan said the area was immediately cordoned off in line with safety protocols and debris removal began within hours.” — Havan Statement
- “Thanks to quick action by store employees and passersby, cars in the vicinity were moved just in time, preventing injuries or damage.” — Local Report
- “The absence of casualties in Guaíba has been credited to timely alerts and quick reactions on the ground.” — Civil Defence Official
