On Monday, Dec. 15, a powerful windstorm in Guaíba, Brazil, felled a 24‑meter replica of the Statue of Liberty into a parking lot, sending the structure crashing onto several parked cars—though no injuries were reported.
Storm Hits Guaíba on Dec 15
A strong wind event was recorded in the city of Guaíba on Monday, Dec. 15. The gusts reached speeds of up to 130 km/h, far exceeding typical local wind conditions.
Replica Topples onto Parking Lot
The 24‑meter tall replica of the Statue of Liberty, mounted on an 11‑meter base, was situated on the parking lot of the Havan retail chain. The violent wind gusts caused the monument to lean and eventually collapse onto the parked cars.
No Injuries Amid Crash
On‑site footage shows the monument tipping and falling, but not a single person was harmed during the incident. Several vehicles were impacted, though they escaped serious damage.
Havan Responds, Launches Investigation
Havan immediately isolated the affected area in accordance with its safety protocols. An internal investigation has been initiated, and the company confirmed that the removal of debris would not disrupt normal operations. Havan also emphasized that the replica met all required safety standards.
Warnings Issued for Brazil
Brazilian authorities issued advisories warning drivers about sustained winds reaching up to 90 km/h and the risk of sudden heavy storms. The incident underscored the need for vigilance in light of the recent weather event.
