Statue of liberty replica topples in storm in Southern Brazil

A towering replica of the Statue of Liberty collapsed during a powerful storm in southern Brazil, triggering widespread attention and concern, though no casualties were reported.
The 24-metre-tall statue, installed in the parking area of a private shopping mall in the city of Guaiba in Rio Grande do Sul state, was brought down by strong winds on Monday as severe weather swept across the region.
Several cities in southern Brazil reported flooding and storm-related damage during the same period.
Initial social media posts had suggested the visuals were from a staged video or sermon, but authorities later confirmed that the collapse was real and caused by the storm. Mall authorities said staff noticed the structure swaying and immediately evacuated the area as a precaution, preventing any loss of life.
The statue crashed to the ground and broke into multiple pieces.
The management maintained that the statue had been erected in compliance with all technical and safety standards.
However, the Brazilian government has ordered an investigation to assess the structural safety and circumstances leading to the collapse.
The replica, installed in 2020, stood on an 11-metre-high base, making its total height approximately 35 metres, or about 114 feet.