Netflix Faces Serious Backlash For Using Real-Life Footage Of Deadly Disaster In ‘Bird Box’

Netflix is facing criticism for using actual footage of a real-life disaster that killed 47 people in their new thriller Bird Box.

It turns out the scene where Malorie (Sandra Bullock) is flicking through TV news channels showing the apocalypse unfolding around the world, featured the very real 2013 Quebec train derailment that resulted in a huge fire and killed many.

The clip was provided by stock image company Pond 5 who told the BBC that they deeply regretted the footage being "taken out of context and used in entertainment programming".

Julie Morin, who is the mayor of Lac-Mégantic where the tragedy unfolded, told the Canadian Press, "We find that it's really a lack of respect, to use these images as fiction and entertainment.

"It's hard enough for our citizens to see these images when they are used normally and respectfully on the news. Just imagine, to have them used as fiction, as if they were invented."

This is the second time the footage has been used in a Netflix Original project – it was also used in an episode of Travelers, though the production company later apologised and promised to remove it.

Netflix has confirmed to Mashable that they would be leaving the footage as it is this time around.

The streaming giant was also recently forced to issue a warning over the insane ‘Bird Box Challenge’ that swept across the internet.

The bizarre challenge involves people trying to do everyday tasks while blindfolded just like the characters in the film and has resulted in countless injuries and even a car crash.