THERE will be no manslaughter charges over a steel works explosion that killed a Caldicot father-of-two and another man over two years ago.

Mechanical engineer Mark Sim, 41, died in the November 2015 blast at the Celsa plant in Cardiff alongside father-of-six Peter O’Brien.

South Wales Police said: “Following a thorough joint investigation by South Wales Police and the Health and Safety Executive (HSE), the Crown Prosecution Service found insufficient evidence to support gross or corporate manslaughter charges.”

The HSE said it would continue the investigation into the basement explosion, which injured five other people, to examine whether there were any breaches of health and safety regulations at the Spanish-owned plant.

A spokesperson said: “The HSE now has primacy for the criminal investigation into the explosion at Celsa Manufacturing UK Ltd in Splott, Cardiff, on November 18, 2015.

“We fully supported South Wales Police following this incident. Now that we are in the lead, HSE will be responsible for liaison with the families.

“We have assured them, and indeed make it clear to all affected by this incident, that our investigation will be a thorough one, while also recognising the desire for a speedy conclusion.”

Originally from Tyneside, Mr Sim was based at Beachley barracks after joining the Army and went on to serve in the Royal Engineers before joining the steel industry in 2003.

The husband of Samantha and father of teenage children Georgia and Jackson was a coach at Caldicot Youth Football Club, played darts for the club and loved karaoke.

Announcing his death, in 2015, Caldicot Town FC club secretary Steve Bright posted: “The club has learnt today of the devastating news that Mark Sim has died in the recent accident in the Celsa Steelworks.

“On behalf of the club, our deepest sympathy and condolences go out to his family, including his wife Sam, son Jackson and their daughter. Mark was a coach/parent greatly involved with our U14 side, and has played darts for the club.”

A lifelong Newcastle United fan, mourners at his funeral at Cinderford Crematorium wore the club’s black and white in tribute to him.

His wife said in a statement at the time of his death: “I will cherish the time we had together, the laughs and parties because Mark loved a good party – always the last one to leave.

“Mark will leave a big hole in our hearts and a great void in the lives of his daughter Georgia and son Jackson and to everyone’s lives that he touched.”

Celsa Steel UK said it was continuing to work with the HSE to determine the exact cause of the explosion.

A spokesman said: “We will not rest until this has been established, and are determined that any lessons will be learned.

“Two years on, the loss of two friends and colleagues is still felt deeply by all the Celsa family, and our thoughts and sympathies are always with those most closely affected.

“We pay tribute to the way our dedicated colleagues pulled together following this most terrible event.

“The safety of employees at all our facilities is our absolute priority, and underpins every aspect of our work.”