Brussels attacks: Red Cross asks for blood donations following assault on city
Charity has asked for donations of A and O negative blood
Your support helps us to tell the story
From reproductive rights to climate change to Big Tech, The Independent is on the ground when the story is developing. Whether it's investigating the financials of Elon Musk's pro-Trump PAC or producing our latest documentary, 'The A Word', which shines a light on the American women fighting for reproductive rights, we know how important it is to parse out the facts from the messaging.
At such a critical moment in US history, we need reporters on the ground. Your donation allows us to keep sending journalists to speak to both sides of the story.
The Independent is trusted by Americans across the entire political spectrum. And unlike many other quality news outlets, we choose not to lock Americans out of our reporting and analysis with paywalls. We believe quality journalism should be available to everyone, paid for by those who can afford it.
Your support makes all the difference.The Belgian Red Cross has put out an appeal for A and O negative blood donations in Brussels following a major attack on an airport and a metro station which has killed at least 30 people.
In a statement on its website, the charity has sent out an appeal specifically targeted at those two blood types.
A spokesman for the charity told Belgian broadcaster RTBF: "First, we are only asking for O negative, A negative donors".
He confirmed three ambulances filled with blood bags were en route to Saint-Pierre hospital where the victims are being treated.
At least 55 people are believed to have been injured - at least 10 critically - in three explosions which struck the city around 7am (8am GMT).
Belgian journalist Sandrine Beigas tweeted there was a large security presence outside the hospital.
Video shows people fleeing from the airport terminal after an explosion near the American Airlines check-in desk at Zaventern aiport.
Men were reportedly heard "shouting in Arabic" and some witnesses say there were the sounds of gunfire before two explosions hit the terminal.
Minutes later, another attack hit the Mallbeek metro station in the city.
Additional reporting by agencies
Subscribe to Independent Premium to bookmark this article
Want to bookmark your favourite articles and stories to read or reference later? Start your Independent Premium subscription today.
Join our commenting forum
Join thought-provoking conversations, follow other Independent readers and see their replies
Comments