Did the Statue of Liberty fall in Brazil? Yes—on December 15, a 115-foot replica of America’s iconic monument toppled during a devastating storm in the southern Brazilian city of Guaíba. Wind gusts reached 80-90 km/h (50-56 mph), creating a viral moment that left viewers stunned as the massive structure slowly tilted and crashed to the ground.
🔥 Quick Facts
- The 79-foot upper section of the Statue collapsed on December 15, 2025, while the 36-foot pedestal remained standing.
- Located outside a Havan megastore in Guaíba, Rio Grande do Sul state, the replica had stood since the store opened in 2020.
- Authorities reported zero injuries from the statue collapse, though the broader storm caused roof damage and fallen trees across the region.
- Wind speeds reached 80-90 km/h, and rainfall recorded was three times above normal for this time of year.
The Iconic Landmark Falls in Dramatic Fashion
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Multiple videos captured the moment the 24-meter (79-foot) structure began its catastrophic descent. The replica slowly leaned forward, suspended in an eerie silence, before gravity took over and the entire upper section crashed into an empty parking lot below. The collapse happened during Monday afternoon as violent storms swept through southern Brazil’s Rio Grande do Sul state.
Mayor Marcelo Maranata confirmed the incident on social media, noting that the Defesa Civil (Civil Defense) and Secretary of Infrastructure were mobilized immediately. “On Monday afternoon, our city was hit by strong wind gusts that reached 80—90 km/h,” he wrote, emphasizing the severity of the weather conditions that caused the disaster.
Extreme Weather Forces Emergency Alerts Across Southern Brazil
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The severe weather wasn’t limited to the statue collapse. Authorities had issued cell broadcast alerts warning residents of dangerous conditions in the hours before the storm struck. According to INMET (National Institute of Meteorology), rainfall equivalent to three times the average for December fell during the storm.
Beyond the iconic statue, the storm triggered widespread damage including roof collapses, tree damage, power outages, and scattered injuries across the region. The Defesa Civil maintained alerts through December 17, warning of risks including lightning strikes and additional flooding. Despite the chaos, no one was injured in the monument’s collapse itself—a fortunate outcome given the structure’s massive weight.
| Metric | Data |
| Location | Guaíba, Rio Grande do Sul, Brazil |
| Date of Collapse | December 15, 2025 |
| Wind Speed | 80-90 km/h (50-56 mph) |
| Upper Section Height | 79 feet (24 meters) |
| Pedestal Height | 36 feet (remained intact) |
| Years in Service | 5 years (since 2020) |
| Injuries from Collapse | Zero |
The Havan Store’s Famous Tourism Attraction Crumbles
The replica had become a regional landmark since the Havan megastore opened in 2020. Visitors traveled to Guaíba specifically to photograph themselves standing before the statues mirrored exterior and crown. The retail destination leveraged the monument’s iconic status to attract customers, making it a unique shopping experience in southern Brazil.
Ironically, the area had already suffered significant damage just over a year earlier. In 2024, the same region experienced devastating flooding, mudslides, and heavy rains that also damaged the statue. This latest storm proved more catastrophic, finally bringing down what had survived the previous disaster. The statue’s collapse marks the end of an era for this popular photo spot.
Brazil’s Precarious Weather Pattern Shifts Toward Recovery
INMET meteorologists predict weather conditions will improve in the coming days as the deadly storm system moves away from southern Brazil. The agency maintained heavy rain warnings through December 17, giving residents and officials time to assess damage and begin recovery efforts.
The Defesa Civil urged drivers to exercise caution, advising them to reduce speed and avoid flooded areas. “The force of the water can sweep people and vehicles away,” the agency warned in a public alert. With no injuries reported from the statue’s fall, cleanup operations can focus on removing debris and assessing structural integrity of surrounding buildings.
Why Did the Statue of Liberty Replica Matter Beyond Just a Landmark?
The statue’s collapse raises critical questions about extreme weather preparedness and structural safety in increasingly volatile climate conditions. Was the replica properly engineered to withstand severe winds in southern Brazil’s changing weather patterns? Did authorities have contingency plans for its collapse?
The incident also highlights broader concerns about monument stability during extreme weather events. As climate patterns grow more unpredictable, many regions are reconsidering whether iconic outdoor structures can safely remain in place. The Havan replica stood for five years without incident, but May prove that no structure, regardless of modern engineering, can guarantee safety against nature’s most violent forces.
Watch: The Dramatic Moment of Collapse
Sources
- Newsweek – Covered the dramatic storm and statue collapse with verified wind speeds and timeline.
- NDTV – Reported on the 40-meter-tall replica and severe weather conditions in Republic of Brazil.
- The Guardian – Provided video documentation of the exact moment the statue toppled during fierce winds.
Jessica Morrison is a seasoned entertainment writer with over a decade of experience covering television, film, and pop culture. After earning a degree in journalism from New York University, she worked as a freelance writer for various entertainment magazines before joining red94.net. Her expertise lies in analyzing television series, from groundbreaking dramas to light-hearted comedies, and she often provides in-depth reviews and industry insights. Outside of writing, Jessica is an avid film buff and enjoys discovering new indie movies at local festivals.