A towering replica of New York's iconic Statue of Liberty has collapsed in Brazil after being battered by strong winds. The incident, captured on dramatic video, occurred in the city of Barra Velha, in the southern state of Santa Catarina.
The Moment of Collapse
Video footage shows the moment the structure, which stood approximately 40 metres (131 feet) tall, succumbed to the powerful gusts. The statue can be seen swaying precariously before its upper section, including the famous crowned head and torch-bearing arm, breaks away and crashes to the ground. The collapse happened on Tuesday, 16 December 2025, sending debris scattering across the surrounding area.
Local reports indicate the statue was a prominent feature at the entrance of a private condominium complex. Authorities have confirmed that no injuries were reported as a result of the collapse, a fact attributed to the statue's isolated location away from public thoroughfares at the time.
Investigating the Cause
Initial investigations point squarely to high winds as the primary cause of the structural failure. The region had been experiencing adverse weather conditions. Engineers and local officials are examining the wreckage to determine if any structural deficiencies contributed to the replica's vulnerability.
The Brazilian replica was a 1:1 scale copy of the original Statue of Liberty in New York Harbour, though constructed from different materials. Its sudden fall has sparked discussions about the engineering and maintenance of such large-scale artistic installations, particularly in areas prone to severe weather.
Reactions and Aftermath
The event quickly garnered significant attention online, with the viral video prompting a mix of shock and relief that no one was hurt. The condominium management has cordoned off the area and is coordinating the cleanup and removal of the debris.
While the original Statue of Liberty, a gift from France to the United States, has stood firm since 1886, this incident serves as a stark reminder of the forces of nature. It raises questions about the durability and safety protocols for modern replicas of historic monuments built worldwide as tourist attractions or symbolic gestures.
There has been no immediate announcement regarding whether the statue will be rebuilt. The focus for now remains on securing the site and completing a full technical assessment of the failure.
