We had a Hispanic die welding a 55 gallon drum at the Midas muffler shop in Downers Grove, Illinois a few years ago. Exactly the same setup, vapor in the drum exploded.
This Chinese guy might have survived if he didn't get by shrapnel in the head or heart.
So, you don't have to be Chinese to die like this, but it might help...
What’s the point on welding a drum like that? To open it or...? Honestly asking.