New York, USA – This morning, on February 18, 2025, an unprecedented event occurred at one of America’s greatest symbols—the Statue of Liberty. A part of the statue’s arm unexpectedly broke and fell, causing hundreds of visitors present at the scene to panic.

A Scene of Panic

According to eyewitnesses at Liberty Island National Park, the incident happened around 9 a.m. local time. A loud noise was heard, followed by a terrifying sight as the arm holding the torch of the Statue of Liberty slowly cracked and collapsed. Debris scattered, causing some tourists to suffer minor injuries due to falls or being hit by fragments.

“I couldn’t believe my eyes,” said John Miller, a tourist from Texas. “We were taking pictures when we suddenly heard a loud noise, then saw the statue’s arm fall. People were screaming and running in all directions.”

A video posted on social media captured the chaotic scene as visitors scrambled to leave the dangerous area. Park staff immediately arrived to evacuate the crowd and assess the situation.

Initial Causes

Authorities quickly launched an investigation to determine the cause of this serious incident. Preliminary reports suggest that the internal structure of the statue may have weakened after centuries of exposure to harsh weather conditions, including strong winds, acid rain, and the effects of climate change.

The Statue of Liberty is made of copper with a steel framework designed by the great engineer Gustave Eiffel in the late 19th century. Although it has undergone several major renovations, experts say that gradual deterioration over time is inevitable.

Dr. Robert Harrison, a structural engineering expert at Columbia University, stated, “The degradation of metal over more than a century could be the primary reason. Small cracks might have existed for a long time but went unnoticed. Combined with recent extreme weather, the structure may have been unable to withstand the pressure.”

Consequences and Impact

Following the incident, Liberty Island National Park was temporarily closed for safety inspections. The New York City government and the U.S. Heritage Preservation Agency are working urgently to assess the extent of the damage and develop a repair plan.

As for visitors, while no fatalities have been reported, many were left in shock and panic. Several people with minor injuries were taken to a nearby hospital for treatment.

Lisa Turner, a teacher from California, shared, “This was my dream trip, but I can’t believe I witnessed the moment the Statue of Liberty’s arm broke. I hope they fix it soon so that this iconic landmark is not affected for too long.”

Raising Important Questions

This incident raises many concerns about the preservation of historic landmarks worldwide. If an icon like the Statue of Liberty can suffer such a severe accident, could other historical structures be facing similar risks? The U.S. government will need to reevaluate periodic maintenance measures and strengthen monitoring to prevent similar occurrences in the future.

Preservation experts have called for a comprehensive inspection of aging architectural structures. “Not only the Statue of Liberty but also many historical monuments worldwide are gradually deteriorating. Without proper investment in restoration, we could lose important cultural symbols,” Dr. Harrison warned.

Restoration Plans

The U.S. government promptly announced an emergency restoration project to restore the statue to its original state. A team of architectural and preservation experts has been assembled to study repair options. Depending on the extent of the damage, the restoration process could take months or even years.

Additionally, the National Heritage Preservation Agency is calling for support from international organizations to mobilize financial resources and advanced technology for the restoration process.

Conclusion

The Statue of Liberty is not just a symbol of the United States but also one of the world’s most significant cultural heritage sites. This incident has caused shock not only in the U.S. but globally. It also serves as a wake-up call about the necessity of maintaining and preserving historic landmarks.

Although the incident has raised concerns, with the determination of the authorities and support from the international community, we can trust that the Statue of Liberty will soon be restored to its original state, continuing to stand as an enduring symbol of freedom and hope.