Part of the jet’s wreckage lay on the grass behind some buildings after emergency teams doused the area with foam to tamp down the blaze.

Authorities were still scouring through the charred wreckage of about 40 apartment units after the massive blaze ignited by the crash blew off the roofs of buildings, charring and burning top floors.

The two crew members ejected safely from the jet which hit a populated area in the eastern coastal tourist resort of Virginia Beach, officials said.

US Navy Captain Mark Weisgerber blamed a “catastrophic mechanical malfunction” for the crash. Governor Bob McDonnell told CNN officials were hoping to confirm a “Good Friday miracle,” with no loss of life.

The specifics of the mishap were still unknown, Weisgerber said, but added that it resulted in the “forced ejection” of the crew-a local student pilot in the front seat and an experienced instructor in the back. The city’s mayor William Sessoms told CNN that nine people had been injured including the pilots.

Sentara Healthcare said all but one of the seven people taken to hospital with non life-threatening injuries had been released. Only one of the pilots remained at Sentara Virginia Beach General Hospital. — AFP