SCRANTON, Pa.—A utility says an underground explosion in downtown Scranton last month was caused when a power line failed, producing a spark that ignited a pocket of gas.

PPL Electric Utilities spokesman Rich Beasley says the spark apparently ignited an isolated pocket of methane gas. The resulting explosion on Dec. 28 shook a downtown intersection in the northeastern Pennsylvania city.

The Times-Tribune reports (http://bit.ly/UXqcZN) Beasley says the power line has been replaced. He says the utility plans to periodically check the area for gas over the next three months.

A spokesman for gas utility UGI says he's certain the gas did not come from its underground natural gas pipes.

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Information from: The Times-Tribune, http://thetimes-tribune.com/