Kochi (PTI): Seven Congress workers were killed and 30 injured, eight of them seriously, when a lorry rammed into a rally being taken out by the workers at Pothanikkad in Kothamangalam in Kerala's Ernakulam district on Thursday evening.

Six bodies have been identified so far, District Collector A P M Mohammed Hannish told PTI. The injured have been admitted to various hospitals at Kothamangalam.

The six who have been identified are: Kuriakose, Iype, Esho Abraham, V P Pathrose, Kuttappan and Pratheesh Kuriakose, police said. One body was yet to be identified.

Police said the mishap occurred as the driver of the vehicle reportedly lost control.

The driver has been taken to custody, police said.

Hannish said Muvattupauzha Revenue Divisional officer and top police officers have rushed to the spot and the situation was under control.

Meanwhile, Kerala Chief minister V S Achuthanandan has asked the Collector to submit a report on the accident immediately.

KPCC President Ramesh Chennithala has demanded an inquiry into the accident.

"It is most unfortunate and tragic," Chennithala told PTI over telephone from Delhi, where he is undergoing treatment.

Leader of opposition, Oommen chandy, who was touring Malappuram district, had cancelled the tour and was on his way to Pothanikkad. "We have already asked for a comprehensive inquiry into the accident," Chandy said.

A large police force, led by Central Zone IG Winson M Paul, was camping the spot.