Watch: Statue of Liberty Replica Topples in Guaíba Storm, Video Breaks Internet
Watch: Statue of Liberty Replica Topples in Guaíba Storm, Video Breaks Internet
Guaíba, Brazil – December 16, 2025 – A towering replica of the Statue of Liberty dramatically collapsed amid powerful storm winds in Guaíba, Rio Grande do Sul, Brazil. The 24-meter structure, a prominent landmark outside a Havan department store, fell on December 15, 2025, as gusts surpassed 90 km/h (56 mph). Quick actions by staff and locals ensured no injuries occurred.
The Incident: How the Statue of Liberty Replica in Brazil Collapsed
The collapse unfolded in the parking lot of the Havan megastore in Guaíba, near Porto Alegre. Viral videos captured the eerie moment as the massive replica tilted gradually before crashing down. Installed in 2020 on an 11-meter concrete pedestal (bringing total height to approximately 35 meters), only the upper statue section gave way, leaving the base intact.
Brazil’s Civil Defense had issued red alerts for severe storms, heavy rainfall, and high winds across the region. The weather event, caused by a cold front colliding with high temperatures, led to widespread impacts including hail, flooding, and downed trees.
Guaíba Mayor Marcelo Maranata addressed the incident on social media, confirming wind speeds of 80-90 km/h and commending the swift evacuation. “Safety protocols were followed impeccably, preventing any harm,” he noted.
Havan’s Statement and Ongoing Investigation
Havan, the retail giant famous for its giant Statue of Liberty replicas at over 170 stores across Brazil, reaffirmed that the structure met all engineering requirements and held official certifications (Anotação de Responsabilidade Técnica – ART).
Debris clearance commenced immediately, with store operations continuing normally. The company has initiated an internal investigation to assess if additional factors contributed beyond the extreme weather. This marks the second such incident; a similar replica collapsed in Capão da Canoa in 2021 during winds of 70-80 km/h, also without injuries.
Statue Of Liberty Replica At Havan Store In Southern Brazil …
Broader Context: Havan’s Iconic Replicas and Rising Extreme Weather
These replicas have become synonymous with Havan’s branding, serving as recognizable landmarks in communities nationwide. The Guaíba statue had been a local fixture for five years.
Social media buzzed with footage, initially sparking confusion with the original New York statue before clarifications spread. The event underscores increasing storm intensity in southern Brazil, linked to climate patterns.
Key Details of the Collapse:
- Location: Havan megastore, Guaíba, Rio Grande do Sul, Brazil
- Date: December 15, 2025
- Wind Gusts: Exceeding 90 km/h
- Structure Height: 24 meters (statue) + 11 meters (pedestal)
- Outcome: No injuries; area secured promptly
- Related Incidents: Similar collapse in 2021
This striking visual reminder of nature’s force continues to circulate globally. Updates on the investigation will follow.
