After a preliminary investigation into the death of a 27 year-old Beijing woman who suffered fatal burns after falling onto leaking underground heating pipes, the government of Beijing's Xicheng district is holding three parties responsible.

The Beijing District Heating Group, the Wuhua Mansion property management department, and Wanhua Zhiye Ltd, the developers of Wuhua Mansion, bear responsibility for the accident, a district's government spokesman said Wednesday.

Yang Erjing, the mother of a 7-month-old child, died Monday after suffering severe burns over 99 percent of her body. She fell into 90 C water leaking from underground pipes when a section of pavement gave away under her on Beilishi Road in the district.

How much responsibility each party shoulders is subject to further investigation, according to the district government website.

When contacted by China Daily, a Wuhua Mansion property management spokesman, who refused to give his name, confirmed the government's findings, saying they will take responsibility once there is a final determination.

However, Wuhua should not take the main responsibility because maintenance of pipes on that street is outside their area of responsibility in accordance with current regulations, he said.

According to Beijing Daily, police have begun a criminal investigation into the case. Yang's body has been removed for an autopsy, the paper reported.

"We are cooperating in the police's criminal investigation and hope to hear a fair answer," the Wuhua Mansion spokesman added.

The Beijing District Heating Group declined to comment when contacted by China Daily on Wednesday.

The developer Wanhua Zhiye did not return China Daily's phone calls.