News
14 December, 2025
WIRE EXCLUSIVE: Sad end to life for Hill Top explosion victim
A Southern Highlands man horrifically injured in an explosion at Hilltop has passed away due to unrelated causes.
A Southern Highlands man horrifically injured in an explosion at Hilltop has passed away due to unrelated causes.
Richard Vinckx, then aged 19, suffered third degree burns to his body as a result of the 1990 incident.
One man died and two others were also taken to hospital. They were reportedly preparing a fireworks display at the Hill Top Rifle Range at the time in conjunction with the annual Evelyn Owen Shoot.
Family sources have confirmed that Richard passed away at home on Saturday morning (December 13).
The Southern Wire understands he was suffering from melanoma, a brain tumour and lung cancer. There will be no funeral.
A source close to the family said Richard had passed away at “at peace”.
He had lost his sight but had people around him and had been well looked after.
He had moved to Tahmoor prior to his death.
According to media reports at the time of the 1990 incident, Richard was injured when a “lethal cocktail of fireworks” detonated earlier than expected.
The explosion killed one man and injured three others – including Richard – who spent two months in Westmead Hospital’s intensive care unit and a special burns trauma unit before returning home to Bowral.
Besides burns he also suffered a badly fractured foot, the loss of a finger and the loss of most of his vision.
Read More: Southern Highlands, Hill Top, Tahmoor