Ernestina Pais was killed after her car was hit by a train at a level crossing in Argentina – CCTV footage appears to show the vehicle proceeding onto the tracks despite the barrier being down
An actor and TV presenter was killed when a train ploughed into her car at a level crossing. CCTV footage shows the driver proceeding onto the tracks despite the barrier being down.
Before she could clear the crossing, a train sped in and struck the Honda City on the driver’s side. The impact pushed the car along the rails for a short distance before it was run over on Friday (June 26) evening.
Ernestina Pais, who was at the wheel, suffered a severe head injury. A local man, Carlos, told local media: “I was inside when I heard the crash.
“We ran over to see what had happened and whether we could help. We couldn’t do anything because the doors wouldn’t open – they were completely jammed.
“We spoke to her, and there was also a woman shouting and asking if she was okay, but she never answered.”
A post-mortem examination later confirmed that Ernestina died instantly from the collision in San Isidro, Argentina. According to the initial findings, the 54-year-old, who had been driving while disqualified, died from severe traumatic brain injuries.
Her driving privileges had been revoked after she collided with an Alfa Romeo in Vicente López and declined to provide a breath sample in March this year.
She had also racked up numerous speeding violations throughout Buenos Aires and Buenos Aires Province, with penalties totalling approximately 2.5m ARS (£1,280).
Ernestina was admitted to a rehabilitation facility in March 2024 following a court directive for alcoholism, as reported by NeedToKnow. She had been penning a book, due for publication in 2027, detailing her six-and-a-half-month stint in rehabilitation.
She was set to star in the production “El divorcio del año” at a Tigre theatre on the evening of the collision.
Her funeral, which took place yesterday (June 28), was attended by her sister, television presenter Federica Pais; their mother, Milka Truol; and her 22 year old son, Benicio.
In a tribute, Benicio penned: “There are moments that my mind will never forget: your constant, affectionate ‘I love yous’ will always stay close to me.
“I don’t think there was a single day when I didn’t hear, in that unmistakable voice of yours, ‘I love you, son’.”
He continued: “People I don’t even know have written to tell me that the laughter and the wonderful moments you gave them will stay with them forever. Your impact was real.”