Freedom came crashing down in southern Brazil when a towering replica of the Statue of Liberty was no match for a ferocious storm.
A dramatic 110ft copy of the iconic monument toppled over in the city of Guaiba on Monday afternoon after being battered by powerful winds ripping through the region. Jaw-dropping footage shows the giant statue slowly tilting, swaying under the pressure, before plunging into a car park below and shattering into pieces.
Motorists narrowly avoided disaster as cars were seen speeding away just moments before the statue fell. Miraculously, local authorities confirmed that no injuries were reported.
The collapse happened at around 3pm, right at the peak of violent weather that swept across the entire state of Rio Grande do Sul in southern Brazil. Wind gusts reportedly reached speeds of up to 90 kilometres per hour, prompting officials to issue severe weather warnings earlier in the day for strong winds and torrential rain.
The replica, installed in the car park of a major retail megastore, had been standing since the store opened in 2020. While the structure measured roughly 110ft in total height, store officials said only the upper section — about 78ft tall — suffered damage in the dramatic collapse.
For comparison, the original Statue of Liberty in New York City stands at approximately 305ft, making the Brazilian version far smaller but still an imposing landmark for shoppers and passers-by.
Following the incident, the car park was swiftly cordoned off to protect customers and staff, and specialist crews were sent in to clear debris. The megastore’s operator confirmed the statue had the required certification and complied with regulations.
Guaiba’s mayor, Marcelo Maranata, praised the rapid response, saying local teams worked closely with state civil defence officials to secure the area and prevent further damage.
The statue’s collapse was just one sign of the storm’s destructive force. Elsewhere across Rio Grande do Sul, residents reported power outages, ripped-off roofs and fallen trees, while relentless rain caused flooding in the nearby town of Lajeado.
As cleanup operations continue, the dramatic fall of Lady Liberty’s Brazilian cousin stands as a striking reminder of nature’s raw power — and how even symbols of strength can be brought down in seconds.
