Fatal incident at Dermata waterfall in Veria

An 18-year-old woman, identified as Katerina, died following an excursion to the Dermata waterfall near Rizomata, Veria, on August 27, 2026. The emergency services were notified at approximately 16:15 after the young woman, who was visiting the site with a friend to take photographs, failed to resurface after entering the lake located beneath the waterfall.

A rescue operation was immediately launched, involving 12 firefighters from the Macedonian volunteer unit and the Veria Fire Department, along with four divers from the 2nd EMAK special rescue unit. Despite their efforts, the young woman was recovered from the water unconscious and was subsequently handed over to EKAB ambulance services. She was reportedly one day away from her 18th birthday.

Local authorities are currently investigating the circumstances surrounding the incident. Potential scenarios being examined include an accidental slip on wet surfaces or an underlying medical emergency that occurred while the victim was in the water. A forensic examination is expected to determine the exact cause of death as investigations continue.