The man, in his 30s, was welding when the barrel with residue oil exploded on the island of Djailolo in Indonesia on Dec 2, Guangzhou Daily reported.

About 85 percent of his body surface was burned, most to a severe degree, said Li Xiaojian, director of the burn and plastic surgery department of Guangzhou Red Cross Hospital, where the man is being treated.

He was transferred to a third local hospital in Indonesia in 48 hours. A week after the accident, the man suffered from infection, choking, high fever and failure to breathe.

The transfer was arranged by International SOS, Guangdong branch of Kingwing General Aviation Co, and the hospitals in Indonesia and Guangzhou, with close support from Guangzhou Baiyun International Airport.