Strong Winds Topple Brazil’s Statue of Liberty Replica, No Injuries Reported
Storm Topples Replica in Guaíba
A severe storm in southern Brazil led to the dramatic Statue of Liberty replica collapse in Guaíba on Monday afternoon. The nearly 40-metre-tall structure, located outside a Havan retail megastore, was toppled by winds exceeding 90 kmph.
Footage captured the statue leaning under the force of the storm before crashing to the ground. The head of the statue shattered upon impact, while the pedestal remained intact.
Where Was the Replica Located?
The statue stood in the parking lot of a Havan megastore, near a McDonald’s outlet. Havan, a popular Brazilian retail chain, has installed dozens of similar replicas outside its stores since 2020.
This particular replica measured 114 feet in total height, with the upper 78-foot section collapsing while the 36-foot pedestal stayed upright.
Company Response
Havan confirmed the statue had been certified and installed safely when the store opened in 2020.
- The area was immediately cordoned off to protect customers.
- Specialist teams removed debris within hours.
- A technical inspection will determine whether factors beyond extreme weather contributed to the collapse.
Local Authorities React
Mayor Marcelo Maranata praised the quick response, noting that no casualties were reported. Civil Defence teams worked alongside local officials to secure the site and assess nearby damage.
The supermarket continued operating in unaffected sections, though access to the fallen statue area remained restricted.
Weather Conditions in Southern Brazil
Meteorologists recorded wind gusts of 90–100 kmph in Rio Grande do Sul. The National Institute of Meteorology had already issued severe weather warnings, alerting residents to risks of:
- Strong winds
- Heavy rainfall
- Hailstorms
- Flooded streets
- Temporary power outages
The storm was linked to a cold front, which triggered sudden and violent winds. Conditions are expected to improve gradually, though scattered rain may continue.
Why Brazil Has Statue of Liberty Replicas
Havan stores are known for their Statue of Liberty replicas, symbolizing freedom and commerce. The company has installed dozens across Brazil, making them recognizable landmarks.
This collapse is one of the most dramatic incidents involving these replicas, sparking discussions about structural safety during extreme weather events.
Trending Queries Around the Incident
- Did the Statue of Liberty fall in Brazil?
- Where is the Havan Statue of Liberty located?
- Was anyone injured in the Guaíba storm?
- How tall was the replica that collapsed?
- Why does Havan use Statue of Liberty replicas?
External Links
- Statue of Liberty – Wikipedia
- Havan Retail – Official Website
- Brazil National Institute of Meteorology
- Rio Grande do Sul Weather Updates – Reuters
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