And how would the chain be destroyed as I was on the inner/middle?

I will stick with what I said at the time (I gave a couple of possibilities, including the manufacturering one, and how to check this), the OP has update the photos since my original answer, so what I originally said is possibly inaccurate now the new info (I am loosing interest in re-reading to justify answering you), but was at the time, that is the joy of posting something, and then having new info given.

Again, sorry for not taking photos approx 5 years ago, I wasn't anticipating that I would need them them as crucial evidence to prove what happened to me and my crank getting some minor trail damage in the future. Guess I need a time machine. I will remember to take photos or all my future bike damage and store them away just for you.