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AT least one person has died after a Canadian air force fighter jet crashed into a residential neighbourhood on Sunday.

The plane had been taking part in a flyover in the city of Kamloops, British Columbia, to salute all those battling the coronavirus pandemic.

 Captain Jennifer Casey, originally from Halifax, Nova Scotia, was killed in Sunday's crash
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Captain Jennifer Casey, originally from Halifax, Nova Scotia, was killed in Sunday's crashCredit: AP:Associated Press
 The jet crashed seconds after taking off in Kamloops, British Columbia
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The jet crashed seconds after taking off in Kamloops, British Columbia
 Flames and smoke seen near a house following the crash
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Flames and smoke seen near a house following the crash

Horrifying footage shows the aircraft turn skyward shortly after take-off before performing a loop and diving towards the ground.

At least one person can be seen using an ejector seat to escape the jet before it crashes.

The Royal Canadian Air Force (RCAF) confirmed at least one person - Captain Jennifer Casey, originally from Halifax, Nova Scotia - was killed in the crash.

Captain Richard MacDougall, who was piloting the plane, sustained serious but non-life-threatening injuries.

The jets were from the Snowbirds, a military aerobatics squadron in the RCAF - comparable to the Red Arrows in the UK.

'TRAGIC LOSS'

A statement from the force read: "The RCAF has suffered another tragic loss of a dedicated member of the RCAF team.

"We are deeply saddened and grieve alongside Jenn’s family and friends.

"Our thoughts are also with the loved ones of Captain MacDougall.

"We hope for a swift recovery from his injuries."

Casey joined the Snowbirds in November 2018 after entering the RCAF in August 2014, her biography on the force's site said.

She had previously worked in broadcast radio as a reporter, anchor, and producer in both Halifax and Belleville, Ontario.

CRASH PROBE

The cause of the crash is still being investigated.

Images from the site showed flames and debris strewn around a neighbourhood.

A thick plume of smoke could also be seen billowing from behind some houses.

Neighbour Kenny Hinds said: "I got there maybe a minute after it crashed and there was a couple of residents that had their hoses out and they were trying to put the flames out because it hit a house.

"It looked like most of it landed in the front yard, but maybe a wing or something went through the roof."

In a statement, Prime Minister Justin Trudeau, said: "I am deeply saddened by the tragic loss of one Canadian Armed Forces member, Captain Jennifer Casey, and one injured, Captain Richard MacDougall, in today’s Snowbirds aircraft crash in Kamloops, British Columbia.

"Our thoughts are with the families of Captain Casey and Captain MacDougall, as well as the entire Canadian Forces Snowbirds team, as they grieve this terrible loss.

"For the past two weeks, the Snowbirds have been flying across the country to lift up Canadians during these difficult times.

"Their flyovers across the country put a smile on the faces of Canadians everywhere and make us proud."

 Neighbours reportedly attempted to put the fire out with hoses
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Neighbours reportedly attempted to put the fire out with hoses
 A column of smoke can be seen from the crash site
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A column of smoke can be seen from the crash site
 Emergency services pictured at the scene
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Emergency services pictured at the scene
 Two workers hold what appears to be a parachute on the roof of a home
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Two workers hold what appears to be a parachute on the roof of a home
 The road seen cordoned off by emergency services
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The road seen cordoned off by emergency services
 The cause of the crash is still being investigated
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The cause of the crash is still being investigated
 The jet seen looping upwards before diving towards the ground
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The jet seen looping upwards before diving towards the ground


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