That is flat out horrifying. And an effective way of isolating Rufus. I think he actually paniced there.
That element comes right out of the FEAR game and happens on several occasions to the player character. Although if you think seeing your companions go 'poof' like that is horrifying, then believe me when I say that's nothing compared to what happens in later installments of the FEAR game. ::shudder::
But yes, it works very well for heightening the suspense with Rufus and stripping him (however temporarily) of the Turks' supporting presence.