"A towering replica of the Statue of Liberty outside a Havan megastore in Guaíba, Brazil, was toppled by fierce winds reaching up to 90 km/h. Thankfully, no injuries were reported, but the dramatic collapse sparked viral attention worldwide"

Strong Winds Topple Statue of Liberty – But Not the One in New York

When you hear the words “Statue of Liberty toppled”, your mind instantly races to New York Harbor, imagining Lady Liberty herself swaying in the storm. But this time, the headline belongs to Brazil. A massive replica of the iconic monument, standing proudly outside a Havan megastore in Guaíba, Rio Grande do Sul, met its dramatic end when powerful winds swept through the region.

The Incident

On December 15, 2025, southern Brazil was battered by a severe storm. Gusts of wind reached speeds of 80–90 km/h, strong enough to push the towering 24-meter replica of the Statue of Liberty off balance. Viral footage captured the surreal moment: the statue leaned forward, swayed violently, and then crashed into the empty parking lot. The base remained intact, but the upper structure shattered into pieces.

What’s remarkable is that despite the sheer size of the statue, no injuries were reported. The area had been quickly isolated by Havan staff, ensuring that no vehicles or pedestrians were harmed. The collapse was loud, dramatic, and unforgettable—but mercifully safe.

Why Brazil Has a Statue of Liberty

If you’re wondering why Brazil has its own Statue of Liberty, the answer lies in retail branding. Havan, one of Brazil’s largest department store chains, is known for installing replicas of the Statue of Liberty outside its megastores. The company uses the statue as a symbol of freedom, prosperity, and international inspiration. Over the years, these replicas have become quirky landmarks across Brazil, drawing both admiration and curiosity.

The Guaíba statue, installed in 2020, was among the tallest, measuring nearly 114 feet (35 meters) from base to torch. For locals, it wasn’t just a piece of decoration—it was a familiar sight, a marker of the city’s commercial hub.

The Viral Reaction

As soon as the video hit social media, confusion spread. Many people initially thought the real Statue of Liberty in New York had fallen. The footage was so dramatic that headlines like “Statue of Liberty topples” trended globally. It took a moment for fact-checkers and news outlets to clarify: this was Brazil’s replica, not America’s beloved monument.

The incident became a trending topic, sparking memes, jokes, and debates about climate resilience. Some users pointed out the irony of a symbol of strength and freedom being knocked down by nature’s force. Others highlighted the growing frequency of extreme weather events worldwide.

Weather and Infrastructure

The collapse also raises questions about infrastructure and preparedness. Havan officials stated that the statue had been built according to engineering standards. Yet, storms in southern Brazil have grown more intense in recent years, with wind speeds and rainfall exceeding historical averages.

This event is a reminder that even seemingly sturdy structures can be vulnerable to nature’s unpredictability. It also underscores the importance of designing landmarks and replicas with resilience in mind, especially in regions prone to storms.

Symbolism in the Fall

There’s something poetic about the fall of a Statue of Liberty replica. The original in New York stands as a beacon of hope, resilience, and endurance. Seeing its Brazilian counterpart toppled by wind reminds us of the fragility of human creations. No matter how iconic or symbolic, structures are ultimately at the mercy of natural forces.

Yet, the story isn’t entirely tragic. The collapse caused no harm, and it sparked global conversation. In a way, the fallen statue fulfilled its symbolic role—reminding us of freedom, resilience, and the need to adapt in the face of challenges.

What Happens Next?

Havan has already launched an internal investigation into the incident. Debris removal began swiftly, and the company is expected to rebuild or replace the statue. Whether they choose to erect another replica in Guaíba or rethink their approach remains to be seen.

For the people of Guaíba, the fallen statue will likely become part of local lore—a story to tell for years to come. For the rest of the world, it’s a striking reminder that headlines can be misleading, and that even symbols of liberty can bend under pressure.