BEIJING - A leaking pipeline has caused suspension of heating supply to 420 households in downtown Beijing on Monday night.

The leakage began at about 9:40 pm when large volumes of hot water belched from a pipeline near the Chang'an Avenue, flowing to the road and creating a mist that reduced visibility, said repair workers from the Beijing District Heating Group that manages the city's central heating system.

Workers are still repairing the line in freezing cold.