Swiss Bar Fire Death Toll Hits 47; 'Flashover' Suspected in Deadly New Year's Blaze

• The death toll from the New Year's Eve fire at Le Constellation bar in Crans-Montana, Switzerland, has risen to 47.
• Investigators are prioritizing the theory that a "flashover" – a rapid, simultaneous ignition of all combustible materials – caused the devastating blaze.
• The basement-level venue was packed with hundreds of young revellers when the fire broke out shortly after midnight, leading to chaos and blocked escape routes.
• Witnesses described rapid flame spread, thick smoke, and a deadly crowd surge as people tried to escape, with some smashing windows.
• Switzerland has declared five days of national mourning, and flags are at half-mast, while neighbouring countries offered medical assistance for the severely burned victims.

Why It Matters: Swiss bar fire claims 47 lives; 'flashover' theory investigated as nation mourns.