ERBIL, Kurdistan Region of Iraq - Kurdistan Region Prime Minister Masrour Barzani on Tuesday extended his condolences to the people and leadership of Turkey over the recent blast at a steel factory in Izmir, which killed 17 people and injured more than a dozen others. 

On Monday, an explosion occurred at a steel factory in western Turkey’s Izmir, killing 17 people and injuring 14 others, Turkish state media reported. The cause of the incident remains under investigation by Turkish authorities.

“I am deeply saddened by the tragic loss of life in the devastating blast at the steel factory in Izmir, Turkey,” Barzani said in a post on X on Tuesday, extending “heartfelt condolences” to Turkish President Recep Tayyip Erdogan, the people of Turkey, and the families of the victims.

The explosion sparked a large fire at the facility, which was swiftly contained by emergency response teams. Rescuers evacuated staff from the area and continued searching for any remaining victims at the site.

“My thoughts are with all those affected by this heartbreaking tragedy, and I wish the injured a speedy recovery,” the Kurdish premier added.

On Tuesday, Turkish state media said that six of the injured were discharged after receiving treatment, while two injured individuals remained in critical condition.

Ankara has issued arrest warrants for six individuals over their alleged involvement in the incident following an investigation, Energy and Natural Resources Minister Alparslan Bayraktar said late Monday, noting that the number could increase.

“According to initial investigations, an explosion took place after natural gas and oxygen pipes were severed, a result of materials falling during ongoing maintenance work,” Vedat Isikhan, Turkey’s Minister of Labor and Social Security, said Monday.

“Our Chief Inspector has been assigned to investigate every detail regarding potential negligence or flaws concerning occupational health and safety measures in relation to the accident,” he added.