In a startling incident, a towering replica of the Statue of Liberty met a dramatic end after being struck by ferocious winds in southern Brazil. The 110-foot structure collapsed onto a car park, shattering into pieces as the storm raged.
The Moment of Collapse
The incident occurred at approximately 3pm on Monday in the city of Guaiba, located in the state of Rio Grande do Sul. Dramatic video footage shows the immense statue beginning to lean precariously to one side as wind gusts, reported to reach up to 90 kilometres per hour, tore through the region. The statue then toppled over, crashing down onto the car park of a retail megastore where it was installed and smashing apart. The footage captured cars swiftly driving away from the falling monument.
Damage Assessment and Swift Response
Local authorities confirmed that fortunately, no injuries were reported as a result of the collapse. Officials from the store stated that while the entire replica stood at around 110 feet, only the upper section, measuring approximately 78 feet, was damaged in the fall. The car park was immediately cordoned off to protect customers and staff, following all safety protocols.
The megastore's operator confirmed the replica had been in place since the store opened in 2020 and possessed the required certification. Specialist teams were dispatched to the site to clear the debris. Guaiba's Mayor, Marcelo Maranata, praised the rapid response, noting that local teams worked with the state's civil defence officials to secure the perimeter and prevent additional damage.
Wider Storm Impact Across the Region
The collapse was part of a severe weather system that ripped through Rio Grande do Sul. The state had issued a severe weather warning for strong winds and heavy rain hours before the event. The storm caused widespread disruption, with other areas reporting:
- Power cuts
- Damaged roofs
- Fallen trees
For context, the original Statue of Liberty in New York City stands at about 305 feet, making the Brazilian replica roughly one-third of its size.
