A Federal Mexican Police helicopter exploded then fell into the Phillips maquiladora lot in Southwest Juarez.

The accident happened around noon Tuesday while the helicopter was patrolling the city.

Witnesses said they heard two explosions before seeing the helicopter burst into flames, then crash. The aircraft landed in a maquiladora lot full of empty semi-truck trailers. Witnesses said soon after, some of trailers caught fire and popping sounds were heard.

Three people are confirmed dead. They are the pilot of the helicopter, Sergio Ovideo; a mechanic Manuel Garcia Ramirez; and a Mexican Federal Agent, Carlos Hernandez Lopez. There is no word yet on any injuries.

Preliminary reports state the crash was a result of mechanical failure. The PGR, a Mexican federal agency investigating the crash, reported conflicting reasons why the helicopter crashed. They told KFOX they weren't sure what caused the accident, yet they sent a press release stating the helicopter went down because of mechanical problems.

It took hours for Juarez firefighters, members of the Mexican army, and members of the Federal Mexican Police to clean up the accident.

Smoke could be seen one hour after the crash as rescue and recovery efforts were underway.