Bloodworks Northwest has issued an urgent appeal for blood donors to meet “critical needs” following a fatal crash on Seattle’s Aurora Bridge.

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“With up to 40 people with injuries, we are responding quickly to additional orders for blood components from multiple hospitals receiving people injured in the crash,” said James P. AuBuchon, MD, president and chief executive officer. “We need to meet this emergency demand and also to replenish supplies so that we can continue to meet normal patient needs.”

People stood in lines, waiting to donate after Bloodworks Northwest put the request out. They tweeted: “Thank you to everyone who has come in to donate today; we are overwhelmed by and grateful for your support.”

Bloodworks Northwest encourages donors to call ahead before donating at 1-800-398-7888.

“To avoid a crisis for the local blood supply we’re asking donors who have not donated recently to schedule an appointment as soon as they can at one of our 12 centers, or to find a mobile drive in their community close to where they live or work,” AuBuchon added. “There is a special need for O-positive and O-negative blood types.”