Brazilian Retailer's Liberty Statue Replica Collapses in Severe Weather

Incident Details

A dramatic collapse occurred when a 24-meter tall replica of the Liberty Statue at a Havan supermarket in Guaíba, Rio Grande do Sul, Brazil, suddenly fell during a severe storm on December 15, 2025. The strong winds, reaching speeds of 90 km/h, caused the structure to topple in the open parking area of the retail store.

Safety and Response

Fortunately, the incident resulted in no injuries as the parking lot was nearly empty at the time of the collapse. The local Civil Defense authority had issued a red danger level alert due to the strong winds, advising residents to stay indoors, unplug electrical appliances, and secure windows and doors.

Aftermath and Investigation

Havan management stated that the replica, installed when the megastore opened in 2020, had been certified to withstand strong winds. The company has committed to conducting a comprehensive technical inspection to determine the cause of the incident and implement measures to prevent similar occurrences in the future. The inspection will be crucial in understanding whether the collapse was due to structural failure, the extreme weather conditions, or other factors.

Context and Significance

The Liberty Statue replica was a prominent feature at the Havan store, serving as both a tourist attraction and a symbol of the retailer's brand identity. The incident highlights the challenges faced by large retail structures in maintaining safety during extreme weather events, which are becoming increasingly common due to climate change.