A severe storm hit the city of Guaba in the state of Rio Grande do Sul, Brazil, on December 15, resulting in the collapse of a 24-metre-tall replica of the Statue of Liberty outside a local Havan megastore. The incident drew attention after dramatic footage showed the large structure toppling during the storm.

The storm brought wind speeds up to 90 km/h, according to Brazil’s civil defence authority, Defesa Civil. The replica statue, which had been installed in 2020, stood atop an 11-metre concrete base that remained intact after the event. Despite the statue’s size, no significant property damage or injuries occurred during the collapse.Eyewitnesses and store employees responded quickly as the storm intensified. They moved parked vehicles away from the area as a precaution, which helped prevent possible losses. A video posted to social media captured the moment the statue slowly leaned down before crashing into the parking lot.