Severe weather caused an unusual incident in southern Brazil when strong winds knocked down a large replica of the Statue of Liberty. The 24 meter tall structure collapsed on December 15 in the city of Guaíba, near Porto Alegre, during a period of intense windstorms in the region.
Local authorities had already issued emergency alerts as powerful wind gusts swept across parts of Rio Grande do Sul. The weather turned dangerous quickly, and the force of the wind was strong enough to shake large structures. During this time, the Statue of Liberty replica began to sway before finally falling to the ground.
The statue stood in the parking area of a megastore owned by Havan, a popular Brazilian retail chain known for placing Liberty style statues outside its stores. The replica had become a familiar landmark for shoppers and drivers passing through the area.
Videos shared on social media captured the dramatic moment. In the footage, the statue can be seen rocking back and forth as the wind grows stronger. Nearby drivers quickly moved their cars away, trying to avoid damage as the structure collapsed. Fortunately, the parking lot was nearly empty at the time of the incident.
Officials confirmed that no injuries were reported. While the statue suffered major damage, the quick reaction of people nearby helped prevent any harm. Emergency teams later secured the area to ensure public safety.
The incident highlighted the strength of the storm system affecting southern Brazil. Authorities reminded residents to take weather warnings seriously and stay away from open areas during strong winds. Clean-up and inspections were carried out after the storm passed.
Although the fallen statue surprised many, officials were relieved that the event ended without injuries. The focus now remains on safety as the region recovers from the severe weather conditions.