"Fact" as presented by typical media reporter. Chances of this being correct? Low.
What can we reasonably presume to be factual? The timing chain broke, and piston valve damage ensued.
I don't see how this constitutes a poorly designed engine. Valves displace lower than the upper throw of the pistons. Since the end of flat head engines in automobiles (what 70 years ago?) overhead valves have been the norm, and the issue of off timing ruining the engine is the norm.
There are a substantial number of overhead engines that
are non-interference. The four cylinder Toyota Camry and
many of the other Toyota/Lexus engines are non-interference.
I understand that the interference engines were designed that way in order to get more power and increased efficiency.
Honda switched to a chain, probably from many complaints from owners that failed to change the belt when required.
As long as the belts are changed at proper intervals, it
doesn’t really matter if the engine is interference or not.
And timing chains will stretch over time and their replacement is a lot more work than a belt.