What is a possible cause of an entire engine & transmission simultaneously blowing up while driving?

Question

This is a mystery, If someone got on the free way, all of a sudden the car starts stalling a bit, then it starts jerking very hard, then there is smoke, and the car will not turn on or drive, then it had to be towed, various mechanics confirmed that the ENTIRE engine PLUS transmission had completely blown up.

What may cause this?

The car was stalling before this and the check engine light was on.

It is a Chevy Cavalier 2001 (Z- 24)

What do you think?

Answer 1

cooling system is  common link to them both.