WAUSAU, Wis. (WSAU) – An 18-wheeler spilled 48,000 pounds of cane molasses in downtown Wausau Friday.

The accident happened as the tanker was rounding the corner near 1st and Forest Streets just before 4:30 p.m.

Forest Street will be closed to traffic for several hours as crews clean up the mess. Drivers should use Bridge Street or Thomas Street as an alternate.

“There’s no public safety concerns at this time,” said Deputy Fire Chief Phll Rentmeester.

The Department of Natural Resources is responding to the scene because some of the liquid flowed down the gutters into the storm sewer and could have spilled into the Wisconsin River.