Severe Storm Topples Havan’s Giant Statue of Liberty in Brazil

A colossal 79-foot replica of the Statue of Liberty, a landmark outside a Havan store in Guaiba, Brazil, was brought down by a fierce storm on Monday. The 24-meter structure crashed into an empty parking lot as wind speeds reportedly gusted over 90 km/h. Footage widely shared online vividly illustrates the statue’s dramatic toppling. Critically, no injuries were reported due to the timely actions of bystanders and store employees who moved cars parked nearby just moments before the collapse. The reinforced concrete base, measuring 11 meters, held firm. Local authorities confirmed the intense wind speeds, varying between 80 and 90 km/h. Havan, the company responsible for the replica, confirmed that safety procedures were implemented immediately, and debris removal began swiftly, with no disruption to the store’s business. The company reiterated its commitment to safety standards for all its replicas across Brazil but has initiated an internal investigation into the incident. The storm system, a powerful mix of heat and a cold front, affected much of Rio Grande do Sul state, causing hail, roof damage, and localized flooding. Emergency alerts were broadcast to residents. This incident follows a similar collapse in 2021 at another Havan location, emphasizing the critical role of prompt evacuation and early warnings in mitigating risks during extreme weather.