A devastating Air India crash claimed the lives of 279 people, including nearly everyone on board and several on the ground. Of the 242 passengers and crew, only one survived—40-year-old Vishwash Kumar Ramesh, a British citizen.

Authorities say the death toll could have been even higher if not for Captain Sumeet Sabharwal’s heroic last-minute decision to steer the plane away from a nearby hospital that houses over 3,000 patients.

Ramesh, who suffered only minor bruises, recounted his escape from the wreckage: “My seat and the door were broken. I saw an opening and just got out.” His calm, unscathed appearance in video footage has led some to question his story, though many believe he was simply incredibly lucky.

His brother, who was also on the flight, died in the crash. Ramesh has since been visited in the hospital by Indian Prime Minister Narendra Modi.

Due to the intense flames—reportedly reaching 2,700°F—experts are struggling to identify the remains. DNA matching efforts are ongoing around the clock.

While Ramesh’s survival is still raising questions, it’s also being seen as a small miracle in a sea of tragedy.