Statue of Liberty Replica Topples in Brazil Storm: Fact Check

A dramatic viral video showing the Statue of Liberty collapsing during a severe storm sparked widespread concern and confusion on social media, with many initially believing the iconic New York monument had fallen. However, authorities and company officials clarified that the structure was not the original Statue of Liberty but a nearly 40-metre-tall replica located in southern Brazil. The incident occurred on Monday afternoon in the city of Guaíba, Rio Grande do Sul, when intense winds linked to a fast-moving storm system swept through the region. Despite the scale of the collapse and widespread storm damage, officials confirmed that no injuries were reported, and safety protocols were swiftly implemented.

Key Takeaways on the Statue of Liberty Replica Collapse in Brazil

• The fallen structure was a replica, not the original Statue of Liberty in New York
• The replica was located outside a Havan retail megastore in Guaíba, Brazil
• The incident occurred on Monday afternoon, December 15, around 3 pm
• Wind gusts exceeded 90 kmph, with forecasts reaching up to 100 kmph
• Only the upper section (about 24 metres) collapsed; the 11-metre pedestal remained intact
• No injuries or casualties were reported
• Authorities and Havan confirmed immediate isolation and debris removal
• A technical inspection was announced to determine the exact cause

Viral Video Sparks Confusion Over Statue of Liberty

The incident gained global attention after a video showing a towering Statue of Liberty bending and collapsing during a storm circulated widely on social media. The footage showed the structure leaning forward under intense wind pressure before the upper section detached and crashed to the ground, with the statue’s head shattering into pieces upon impact. Vehicles were seen moving on a nearby road as fragments scattered across the parking lot.

The video led to widespread speculation and concern, with some users mistakenly believing that the original Statue of Liberty in New York had been damaged. However, officials quickly clarified that the structure involved was a replica, one of several dozen installed outside Havan retail stores across Brazil.

Where and When the Incident Occurred

The collapse took place in Guaíba, a city within the metropolitan region of Rio Grande do Sul, near Porto Alegre. The replica stood in the car park of a Havan retail megastore, positioned opposite a fast-food outlet, including a McDonald’s.

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According to authorities, the incident occurred at around 3 pm on Monday afternoon, at the height of a violent storm that swept through southern Brazil. The replica had been installed at the site since 2020, when the store first opened.

Storm Conditions and Weather Warnings

Weather authorities recorded wind gusts exceeding 90 kmph in the region during the storm. Forecasts for the wider area warned of gusts reaching up to 100 kmph. The state Civil Defence had already issued severe weather alerts, including a red alert, warning residents of strong winds and heavy rain.

Defesa Civil sent cell broadcast alerts that interrupted mobile phones, including those on silent mode. Residents were advised to remain indoors, disconnect electrical devices, secure doors and windows, and avoid open areas due to the risk of falling structures, trees, poles, and signboards.

Meteorological agencies reported that a low-pressure system, combined with extreme heat colliding with a cold front, triggered severe atmospheric instability. The National Institute of Meteorology kept storm warnings in place as the system affected much of Rio Grande do Sul.

Extent of Damage to the Statue Replica

Company officials and local reports confirmed that the replica stood at nearly 40 metres (around 114 feet) in total height. During the collapse:

• The upper section, measuring approximately 24 metres (78 feet), broke away
• The pedestal, about 11 metres (36 feet) high, remained intact
• The main figure lay destroyed nearby while the base stayed standing

Debris from the structure scattered across the parking area, but the quick response by onlookers and staff helped prevent damage to vehicles and ensured public safety.

Replica Measurements and Wind Data

Official Statements from Authorities and Havan

The Mayor of Guaíba, Marcelo Maranata, confirmed that no one was injured during the incident and praised the rapid response. In an Instagram video, he stated that the city was hit by strong wind gusts and that municipal teams, along with the Civil Defence and the Secretary of Infrastructure, were fully mobilised to ensure public safety.

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Havan, the retail chain that owned the replica, confirmed in a statement that the statue had the required technical certification. The company said the area was immediately cordoned off to protect customers and staff, and specialist teams began debris removal within hours. Store operations continued in unaffected areas, while access around the fallen structure remained restricted.

The retailer also announced that a detailed technical inspection would be carried out to determine the exact reason for the collapse and assess whether factors beyond severe weather contributed to the failure, as reported locally and cited by Times Now.

Wider Impact Across Rio Grande do Sul

The storm that hit Guaíba also affected large parts of Rio Grande do Sul. Other areas reported hail, damaged roofs, fallen trees, temporary power outages, and partially flooded streets due to heavy rainfall. Authorities continued monitoring the situation as emergency crews responded to multiple incidents across the state.

Meteorologists said weather conditions were expected to improve from Tuesday, although some rain could continue in isolated areas.

Why the Incident Matters

The collapse of the Statue of Liberty replica highlights the impact of extreme weather events on large public structures and the importance of early warnings, safety protocols, and rapid response. While the viral video initially caused alarm, official clarification and swift action ensured public safety and prevented injuries during a severe storm event.

Freedom Beyond Monuments: A Spiritual Perspective on True Liberation

The incident involving a Statue of Liberty replica invites reflection beyond physical structures. Without devotion, human life remains directionless, subject to repeated birth and death across the cycle of 84 lakh lives. 

According to the knowledge shared by Tatvdarshi Sant Rampal Ji Maharaj, the true purpose of human life is devotion, which alone leads to lasting peace of mind. Liberty signifies freedom, and genuine freedom is liberation of the soul from worldly bondage. This liberation, as explained in scriptures, is attained through true devotion under the guidance of a Tatvdarshi Saint, leading the soul to Satlok.

For more information please visit our official platforms:

• Website: www.jagatgururampalji.org
• YouTube: Sant Rampal Ji Maharaj
• Facebook: Spiritual Leader Saint Rampal Ji
• X (Twitter): @SaintRampalJiM

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