It seems that it happened. Computer modeling based on variations of combinations of track curvature, train speed, track banking and vehicle characteristics would potentially explain the "how".
As you noted, the locomotives are heavier, lower center of gravity and will track better with three axles per truck. Thus, they are less likely to derail when going through switches and curves.
However, the first car in the following train that had its manual brakes set would be a prime candidate to derail, dig in and take everything behind it off the track.
That is, the train would probably "break" at the first car which had its manual brakes locked. If there were any, that is.