Motorcyclist, 33, dies after veering off road into irrigation canal in Pieria
The accident occurred around 00:30 on the old Thessaloniki-Katerini road near Methoni; the driver fell into a canal and was pronounced dead at Katerini hospital.
The crash
Around 00:30 on Wednesday, August 5, a 33-year-old motorcyclist lost control of his bike on the old Thessaloniki-Katerini national road in Pieria, northern Greece. The accident took place at the 76th kilometer of the road, near the village of Methoni. The motorcycle veered off the asphalt and overturned, throwing the rider into an irrigation canal that runs parallel to the roadway. The circumstances that led to the loss of control remain unclear. No other vehicles were involved, and the motorcyclist was alone on the bike.
Rescue and medical response
Firefighters from the Katerini fire service were alerted and arrived at the scene shortly after the crash. They found the motorcycle wreckage on the roadside and the driver submerged in the canal. Using ropes and stretchers, they pulled the man from the water. He was unconscious and unresponsive. An ambulance from the National Center for Emergency Care (EKAB) transported him to the General Hospital of Katerini. Despite efforts by medical staff, the 33-year-old was pronounced dead shortly after arrival.
Investigation underway
The Katerini Traffic Police have launched a preliminary investigation to determine the exact cause of the fatal accident. Officers are examining the motorcycle for mechanical defects, analyzing the road surface and lighting conditions, and seeking any witnesses who may have seen the crash. The investigation is ongoing, and authorities have not released the victim's identity. The road, which is a secondary route parallel to the A1 motorway, remained open during the recovery operation, though traffic was temporarily slowed.
Road safety context
The old national road between Thessaloniki and Katerini is a two-lane highway with narrow shoulders and numerous irrigation ditches. It is frequently used by local traffic and motorcycles. Fatal motorcycle accidents are a recurring issue on Greek roads, particularly during the summer months when traffic increases. However, no official statistics were immediately available for this specific stretch.
