By Stefan Morkis

THE OWNER of a Monifieth garage, which was destroyed in an explosion last month that forced hundreds from their homes, will not face prosecution.

Residents in the Tay Street area had to find alternative accommodation when an acetylene cylinder exploded on March 3, prompting an exclusion zone to be set up.

Fire crews had been called to Monifieth when a fire started in the vehicle repair shop at lunchtime. As they battled the blaze the cylinder exploded, sending shrapnel hurtling through the air.

Luckily, no one was seriously hurt in the incident. Only one policewoman sustained any injuries—and she was able to continue with her duties.

The Health and Safety Executive launched a probe into the circumstances surrounding the explosion but has now decided not to send a report to the procurator fiscal for possible prosecution.

Spokesman Paul Burgess said, “We have concluded there is insufficient evidence for us to send a report to the procurator fiscal.

“We have issued a formal warning (to garage owner Sandy Grassie) about future conduct.”

Speaking yesterday, Mr Grassie said he was pleased that no further action would be taken against him, and he was doing his best to put March’s drama behind him.

“I’m very happy about the HSE,” he said. “I’d taken every precaution as I’d been working there for 22 years and never had any accidents.”

The fire-damaged garage, which is adjacent to Mr Grassie’s home, has now been demolished and Mr Grassie said he has no plans to rebuild it.

“I just do freelance work now, which is what I did before,” he said.

“I’m just thankful no one was hurt. When everyone was being evacuated I wanted to just run away—but things are getting back to normal now.”