A US teenager who jokingly pushed her friend off an 18 metre high bridge into water below could face criminal charges.

In a video which went viral after being posted on YouTube, 16-year-old Jordan Holgerson is standing on the edge of the bridge in Vancouver, Washington last week.

The bridge is a popular place to jump, despite a sign prohibiting it, KOIN 6 news reports.

The teen had been considering taking the leap, but appears to have second thoughts, saying, “no” as others look on.

Then the friend comes up from behind and pushes a screaming Jordan into the water, where she lands with a sickeningly loud smack.

Jordan ended up with five broken ribs and a collapsed lung.

Speaking from a local hospital, Jordan told KOIN 6 she was still in shock and in a lot of pain from her injuries.

“I could have died, easily,” she said.

Jordan said she didn’t know what to do as she was falling from the bridge.

“(I) tried to push myself straight so my feet would hit first. That didn't work," she said.

When she hit the water, she said she "couldn't breathe. So that's all I was thinking about."

The 18-year-old suspect has cooperated with local police during their investigation, The Columbian reports.

Investigators in Clark Country Sheriff’s office have completed their report and had passed it on to the DA’s office to consider if any charges with be laid against her.

The case will be forward to the DA's office to determine if charges will be filed against the teen.

Jordan’s sister, Vanessa, said she believed the friend had not intended any harm, but still needed to face the consequences of her dangerous actions.

"I think she tried to do it jokingly and didn't think what could have happened," Vanessa said.

"You don't really play around at 60 feet."

The case will be forward to the DA's office to determine if charges will be filed against the teen.