A US navy jet has crashed and set fire to a Virginia apartment complex after the two-member crew ejected safely, officials said.

There were no reports of deaths, although several people were being treated for smoke inhalation, said Bruce Nedelka, Virginia Beach chief of emergency services.

Television footage showed a smoking two-storey building with the roof torn off multiple rooms. Mr Nedelka said at least two buildings were on fire.

The navy said the jet crashed shortly after take-off. Both pilots ejected safely and were taken to a local hospital for observation.

Witness Pat Kavanaugh told TV station WTKR that he talked with one of the pilots after the crash and checked his body for injuries.

He was in shock but was okay, the witness said.

The area has a large concentration of military bases, including Naval Station Norfolk, the largest naval base in the world.

The navy said in a news release that the jet was assigned to Strike Fighter Squadron 106 based at Naval Air Station Oceana.

The squadron trains navy and marine corps replacement pilots and weapon systems officers to support fleet commitments.

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