Gas pipes linked to Texas deaths also in southern Oklahoma

(Oklahoma City-AP) -- Officials say crack-prone gas pipes that have been linked to five accidental deaths in Texas are also beneath some rural cities in southern Oklahoma.<br><br>Polyethylene pipe has

Sunday, April 4th 2004, 12:00 am

By: News On 6

(Oklahoma City-AP) -- Officials say crack-prone gas pipes that have been linked to five accidental deaths in Texas are also beneath some rural cities in southern Oklahoma.

Polyethylene pipe has been linked to eight serious accidents and five fatalities in north Texas. The Texas Railroad Commission ordered its removal after an explosion in Garland, Texas, killed three people in 2000.

But Oklahoma Corporation Commissioner Jeff Cloud says state regulators can't order the pipe removed.

He says he plans to take the issue before the state Legislature.

Oklahoma Natural Gas Company owns the polyethylene pipe in Oklahoma. Spokesman Don Sherry says the company makes sure the pipe system is adequately inspected and maintained and isn't a hazard to citizens.

He says there haven't been any incidents in Oklahoma.