It doesn't sound right...because looking at the pictures of the cars..it seems that the train was still accelerating when it derailed...if he had applied the brakes further up the track..and they all failed...the train would just have decelerated fairly rapidly..
IIRC..because of the impact of various social media..every time there's been a crash recently..we usually know the name of the pilot/crew..within a few hours...this..not one leak....lawd help us if it's Abdullah...
"The train operator -- who is among the injured -- told investigators he applied brakes to the train, but it didn't slow down, a law enforcement official on the scene and familiar with the investigation said."
I just take it for what it's worth. He could mean I applied the brakes but it was too late because I was distracted. Who knows.