A method is provided of detecting packet error during a transmission of a flit along a path from a source node through one or more intermediate nodes to a destination node. The method includes identifying a stalled node, from among the source and intermediate nodes, which prevents the transmission of the flit. The method includes generating, by a transmitter of the stalled node, a CRC for the flit and placing the CRC in an IDLE pattern of the flit. The method includes checking, by a receiver of an intermediate node subsequent to the stalled node, the CRC for the flit. The method includes sending, by a transmitter of the intermediate node, an error code to the destination node, and releasing the nodes from the intermediate node to and including the destination node, responsive to a detection, by the intermediate node, of an error in the CRC for the flit.