Argentine television presenter Ernestina Pais has died at the age of 54 after a train collided with her car at a level crossing in Buenos Aires, Argentina. The incident occurred when Pais, driving a black Honda Civic, reportedly crossed the tracks while the gate was down and was hit by a Tren de la Costa train.
Witnesses Unable to Help
Witnesses at the scene rushed to assist Pais but were unsuccessful. Carlos, a restaurant worker near the level crossing, told the Noticias Argentinas news agency: "We heard the impact and ran to see what had happened and whether we could help. We couldn't do anything because the doors were stuck." He added that no one initially recognized the victim: "We didn't know who it was; we thought it was a boy because she was wearing an Argentina jersey and her face wasn't visible. We found out later that it was her."
According to witnesses, Pais showed signs of responsiveness after the impact but never responded when people tried to communicate. "She moved a little. She didn't respond when we spoke to her. There was a woman shouting at her, asking if she was okay, but she never answered," Carlos explained. Emergency services took approximately 15 minutes to arrive. A police officer on the train also attempted to help but could not open the doors.
Career Highlights
Pais began her career as a field reporter on the Argentine television programme La Biblia y el calefón. In 2003, she joined her older sister, fellow presenter Federica Pais, on the entertainment show Sabés o sonás, which won the Martín Fierro Award for Best General Interest Programme and the Magia Award in 2007. From 2005 to 2007, she co-hosted Mañanas informales alongside Jorge Guinzburg. After his death in 2008, she became the main presenter, with Ronnie Arias joining as co-host.
Awards and Recognition
Pais also worked on the radio programme Salgan, earning the Martín Fierro Award for Best Female Radio Presenter in 2006. In 2009, she made history as the first woman to host Caiga Quien Caiga (CQC), succeeding Mario Pergolini. Her work on the show earned her nominations for the Martín Fierro Award for Best Television Presenter in two consecutive years. From 2019 to 2021, she was a panellist on the discussion programme Intratables, broadcast on América TV.
