Well, the train didn't have the (notional) token, so the signal was correctly at danger. Which is the 1800s solution to the problem (absolute block signaling). And in the 19th century it was also difficult to reach train drivers who passed signals at danger, due to a lack of radios etc., which did cause accidents when signals failed or drivers passed them at danger.

Box-to-train emergency communication was itself definitely a solved problem by the mid 20th century, though...