Three employees were removing a vertical turbine pump assembly, consisting of an electric motor, pump head, and submerged bowls. After removing the motor and staging it for transport, the team began lifting the remaining pump system and disconnecting the pump head from the bowl assembly. The pump head was lifted approximately three inches before halting due to internal binding of the shaft. While freeing the system, slack built up in the rigging. As the load settled and shifted, the slack released, causing the pump head to drop, pinching an employee s left hand between two flange surfaces. The employee sustained partial amputations to the middle and ring fingers.