On Tuesday, Kurdistan Regional Government (KRG) Prime Minister Masrour Barzani offered condolences to Türkiye’s President Recep Tayyip Erdoğan after a blast on Monday at a steel factory in Izmir killed at least 17 people.

“I am deeply saddened by the tragic loss of life in the devastating blast at the steel factory in İzmir, Türkiye,” KRG Prime Minister Barzani posted on X. 

“My heartfelt condolences go to President @RTErdogan, the people of Türkiye, and the families of the victims. My thoughts are with all those affected by this heartbreaking tragedy, and I wish the injured a speedy recovery.”

The BBC reported that a blast occurred when a crane carrying a replacement boiler collapsed, causing materials to fall into a furnace below, killing 17 people and injuring 22.